There is little that gets me really excited these days. I guess that is a part of getting older. It just seems that I have already been around a particular block, or I know that my aching body would rather just sit it out.

So, other than the prospect of soon becoming empty-nesters, staying alive long enough to hold a grandchild in my arms (although given my progeny, a more realistic hope might be the god-grandparent route–is that a thing?), or perhaps once again seeing my ideal weight, there is not much real “excitement” on the daily here.

In the wine world, there is perhaps even less that brings genuine “excitement”. Let me be clear, I do not intend that as a pessimistic or fatalist view–I still very much enjoy wine and writing about it–but to reach the level of “excitement”? I consider that a pretty high bar.

Receiving new releases from a favorite producer, visiting a beautiful wine region, and opening an older bottle of vintage champagne, all of these bring considerable joy, but true excitement? I am not sure any hit that height.

Back in May, I was out in the Pacific Northwest visiting prospective colleges with my younger son, and I took a little “me time” to visit a few wineries along the way. While we were in Walla Walla, Washington, one of my stops was a winery that was new to me, The Walls.

I will be writing more about my visit (albeit brief) to The Walls, but while I was there, I got truly excited. Among the many bottles arranged around the tasting room, there was an item that I coveted more than any bottle in the room:

A three-liter pouch of rosé.

I know, I know, that likely does very little to float anyone else’s boat out there, but as I stated back in October, 2023 when reviewing a boxed wine from My Favorite Neighbor, I consider the wine industry to be on the front lines when it comes to battling the effects of Climate Change, yet it seems as though very little progress is being made when it comes to alternative (i.e., cheaper and more environmentally friendly) packaging.

Thus, I get excited when a high-end wine (in this case, $30/750ml) is packaged in a more responsible way. Boxed and bagged wines have the reputation of being cheap, rather boring wines, but this is certainly not that. It’s not inexpensive, at $99, but it is the equivalent of four $30 bottles and the wine is delicious.

2024 The Walls Cruel Summer Rosé was one of the top rosés from this years Blind Tasting in May.

I realize that one wine from a relatively small producer in a funny sounding place is not going to alter the course of the planet, but we have to start somewhere. And this is a wonderful “somewhere” to start as the wine is fantastic, even nearly two months after initially opening the pouch. I tasted the 2024 The Walls Cruel Summer Rosé four times over the course of three months: once in my Ninth Annual Blind Tasting of American True Rosé (from a 750ml bottle), and then three times from the same 3 liter pouch. Here are my notes from the latter.

From thewallsvineyards.com

2024 The Walls Vineyards Cruel Summer Rosé, Columbia Gorge, WA: Retail $99 (3L bag). 84% Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre. I sent out a request to the fine people at The Walls for their Cruel Summer Rosé as I wanted to include it in my annual tasting of True Rosés. They happily obliged and sent two 750ml bottles for the tasting. They also, incredibly, sent along this three-liter bag (the equivalent of four standard 750ml bottles). Giddy-up. After first cracking the seal, the wine was just as I had experienced it before: great red berry fruit, a lively, engaging acidity, and a lengthy, killer finish. This 3-liter bag is a good deal at $99; yes, it is perhaps a bit at the upper end of domestic pink wines, but damn. Having this at the ready? Close to priceless. Outstanding. 94 Points.

2024 The Walls Vineyards Cruel Summer Rosé, Columbia Gorge, WA: Two Weeks Later.You know what? Two weeks later, and I think I like this wine even more. Sure, I am a liberal at heart and therefore a sucker for just about anything that is even remotely “planet-friendly” but this wine, although the previous notes are similar, seems juicier and more vivacious than that first glass, if possible. I am leaving the country for three weeks, which will prevent me from stealing more from this bag, but I will be back upon my return to sample some more (unless my wife does the unthinkable and drains it!). Outstanding. 95 Points.

2024 The Walls Vineyards Cruel Summer Rosé, Columbia Gorge, WA: Another Five Weeks Later. Retail $99 (3L bag). Bag weight (empty) 71g (2.5oz). 84% Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre. OK, we finally made it through the end of the bag and more than a month later? It is still as fresh, vibrant, and delicious as it was upon opening (similar notes). And it sat in my fridge for Over. A. Month. To make it even more amazing? The bag, which held the equivalent of four bottles, weighed a mere 71 grams, which makes it roughly 97% lighter than the weight of four 750ml bottles. Whoa. And the label claims it is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Sure, it is perhaps pricey for a rosé, but I am telling you now, it is as good or better than 99% of the rosés on the market at any price. Outstanding. 95 Points.