Bordertown and the Living Desert

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Mohan Gill in the Big Apple.
Mohan Gill in the Big Apple.

The Gill family has been farming fruit in Osoyoos for over 20 years, excelling at growing for other high profile producers. In 2007, Manmohan (“Mohan”) Gill replaced the orchards with vines and began his journey of producing premium wines.

In April 2015, Mohan’s dream was realised with the opening of Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery. A commitment to producing the finest wines and a stunning wine tasting room has made Bordertown a destination for wine, food and travel lovers. The diversity of exposure, microclimate and soil type produces 14 very different wines lots. The diversity contributes to the high quality and uniqueness of the fruit.

The Bordertown Vineyards

Bordertown Vineyard

Bordertown has  80-acres of vineyards.  The Osoyoos vineyard grows Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Viognier and Pinot Gris. Mohan also has Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and a young block of Grüner Veltliner. The Peachland vineyard, a cooler terroir, is planted primarily in white varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Riesling but also includes Pinot Noir.

Bordertown Wines

Bordertown Wines

Bordertown Chardonnay 2015 This estate Chardonnay underwent full malolactic fermentation and five months in French oak to arrive at a wine showing deep golden colour and the richness of a Santa Barbara Chardonnay. The wine has excellent fruit notes, white peach, pineapple and melon. Finishes with a buttery richness.

Bordertown Living Desert White 2014 13.3% Alcohol. A blend of Pinot Gris 48.3%, Viognier 18.8%, Pinot Blanc 14.4 %, Gewürztraminer 6.4% and Gruner Veltliner 6.4%. Soft floral notes open up to aromas of mineral, peach, apple and pear. The palate is fresh and clean exhibiting a blend of stone/citrus fruit, mineral, with a touch of spice on the finish.

Bordertown Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 13.5% alcohol. This cabernet harnesses the hot Osoyoos days and cool nights.  It delivers a wine exploding with blackberries, black currants and a hint of liquorice and mint. The earthy tannin structure is firm, resulting in a wine that will age well.

Bordertown Cabernet Franc 2014 This is a bold red (14.5% alcohol) with a delightful brambleberry aroma and deep expressive flavours of plum, tobacco, and green pepper. All of this is achieved while maintaining supple tannins and dark berry flavours. The finish is pleasant and lengthy.

Bordertown Merlot 2014 Another big Bordertown red tipping the scale at 14.8% alcohol. Aroma of plum, raspberry and rhubarb with peppers and herbs. Fruit driven plum and cherry flavours, integrated oak and supple tannins make this an easy-drinking red. Will age well for 6-10 years.

For more excellent BC Merlot wines see Top 10 BC Merlot for Transitioning to Fall.

Bordertown Living Desert Red 2014 This is a huge red 14.8% alcohol, a blend of Cabernet Franc 45%, Merlot 35% and Cabernet Sauvignon 20% aged in small lots in new and seasoned French oak. Aromas of red plum and black cherry. On the palate black currants, chocolate and leather. In 2016, Bordertown’s Living Desert Red 2013 was one of 13 out of 509 wines selected for a BC Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence in Wines and the Best Red Varietal at Okanagan Winefest.

Please visit the winery website for the complete portfolio of Bordertown’s BC wines.