Paul and Herman Gill grew up in the South Okanagan, with a family background in Orchards and Vineyards.
The Gill brothers used their business background to create Sonora Desert Winery in Osoyoos.
The Vineyards
The Winery Estate vineyard is 5 acres in size and is planted with 4 acres of Merlot and half an acre of Tempranillo.
There is a second 20-acre vineyard located on the golden mile bench in Oliver BC. This vineyard grows Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.
The Winemaker
Paul and Herman Gill learned the winemaking art from their uncle’s winery which is also located in the South Okanagan.
2019 Harvest
“Although most of the Okanagan valley experienced bud damage in February and March 2019, we were lucky enough to escape with minimal damage. The summer stretch was beautifully warm days which led to a wet September compared to previous years.
Most parts of the Okanagan experienced frost at the beginning of October, however, due to our location, we once again escaped again. Overall the 2019 vintage yielded average quantities with higher than normal quality. In reference to our flagship “white Merlot”, this harvest produced a wine with lower alcohol, perfect acidity and smooth tannins.
The reds are tasting very nice in the barrel. We look forward to releasing in 2021.”
Paul and Herman Gill
The Wines
The tasting notes were from samples generously provided by Sonora Desert Winery.
Now for the 2020 releases. You can go directly to the coloured sections for the tasting notes.
Sonora Desert White Merlot 2019 ($22.50)
This was the first White Merlot I have tasted and this one truly impresses.
However, it was with some trepidation that I approached the first White Merlot tasting. When we lived in Phoenix a number of our friends were into bulk white Zinfandel wines, and it was not a good experience!
White Merlot is a special creation that has a flavour that matches no other wine. It can be sweet or dry, fruity, and has a gorgeous tint to it. If you’re tired of always drinking Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Zinfandel, or Sauvignon you’ll definitely want to give this one a try. <1>
I asked Paul why they decided to make a white merlot.
“The main reason for doing a true 100% white merlot was to showcase what winemaking can be, perhaps trying to break from the traditional methods/ideology of winemaking.
We have 3 different wines that we offer made from the same vineyard and same Merlot.
Our merlot rose and white merlot all come from the same block of vines. Yet we have 3 very different and unique wines. Also working on a 4th type (carbonic maceration).”
Paul Gill
The White Merlot was served chilled on the deck on a fine Kelowna spring day. A lovely pale salmon colour. Delicate aroma of rose petals and honeysuckle flowers.
Flavours of apricot, apple, kiwi, lime zest, white peach with a hint of caramel. Light to medium-bodied with low acidity and a rich mouthfeel.
None of the bitter tannins present in some white merlots. 90 Points
The White Merlot pairs well with fish, appetizers, pasta, cheese and acidulous fruit like apple, melon, kiwi and pineapple. Also ideal for hot summer days on its own, served chilled.
Sonora Desert Ortega White 2017
The Ortega grape usually produces an off-dry wine that is similar to Muscat. It was developed in 1948 by Hans Breider in Germany when he crossed Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe. Breider named it in honour of Spanish poet and philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. Ortega is a light yellow-skinned grape.
For other BC Ortega wines see – Waterside Vineyards & Winery for Great Value Whites.
On the nose, intense pear and floral perfumes. Flavours of pear dominant with apricot, white peach and Meyer lemon. The Ortega was fresh and full of acidity from front to back with a nicely balanced residual sugar leading to a medium mouthfeel. 88 Points
Sonora Desert Red 2018 ($20)
Sonora Red is an interesting blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Aromas of sour cherry, leather and tobacco leaf. Flavours of red cherry, leather, dark chocolate with a hint of white pepper. Grippy tannins.
Suggest you aerate before serving or cellar before opening. Paired really well with Irish stew. 89 Points.
Sonora Desert Merlot 2018 ($20)
This is a young vibrant Merlot that is fresh and juicy. Definitely decant before serving. Very intense black fruit aromas. Flavours of blackberry, black cherries, chocolate and leather. The wine paired really well with oven-baked fajitas. 89 Points
For the complete portfolio of Sonora Desert Wines please visit the winery website.
Future Plans
“We practice sustainable farming methods. From limited water use to all hand labour. We believe being hands-on and avoiding mechanical labour translates to high-quality fruit. We continue to experiment with different styles of wine. This is what makes our jobs fun.”
References
- What Does White Merlot Wine Taste Like? LeFoodist