Buying wine on clearance is always something of a dodgy proposition, especially when you go to their website and see that the website has expired.  Such is what I found out researching Bout Time California Syrah Rosé (website, www.bouttimewine.com).  Made from California Syrah, but bottled in New Mexico, for a start up in New York, is Bout Time California Syrah Rosé worth your time?

Sight:  A deep rose color with a touch of copper in the watery edge.

Smell:  Raspberries and strawberries mingle with a touch of spice and slate.  Touches of red plums and red licorice join in.

Sip:  Bright at the start, but moving toward flabby as it goes, the acidity doesn’t seem full embedded.  This leaves the wine with a full, flabby mouthfeel.  Strawberries (slightly underripe), touches of herbs, raspberry,  and a hint of spice come into play.  There’s a bit of bitterness linger around the edges.

Savor:  The ending is a little bitter, with lots of underripe raspberries and currant.

Bout Time California Syrah Rosé might be a little late to the party, and a little underdressed.  It is rosé, and does have some of the flavors, but the overwhelmingly underripe and flabby nature is bringing shame to rosé.  Sure, the can is convenient, but it’s not good enough to take it with you.  There’s some great rosé out there, but Bout Time California Syrah Rosé isn’t one of them.

Verdict:  Raspberry, Underripe, Strawberry, Flabby
Rating: 67
Price: $2 for a 250ml (a 4 pack is available)
California (via New Mexico)