Bordertown showcases Osoyoos, with a nod to Mt. Boucherie

Photo: Bordertown's Mohan Gill

At a time when many Okanagan wineries are for sale or closing, Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery is entering is 11th year as a producer in apparent good shape. The latest releases are wines that score well and drink well. Here from the winery’s website, is some of Bordertown’s history:

For Mohan Gill and his family, the opening of Bordertown Vineyards and Estate Winery in May 2015 was the culmination of a lifetime dream. The Gills built their reputation with over 20 years of experience as growers, supplying some of the Okanagan’s best fruit to a select few wineries and winemakers. Their sun-drenched Osoyoos vineyards are the best place to grow a wide varietal of grapes and are some of the most highly regarded in British Columbia.

The Gills are known for their integrity, attention to detail and impeccable farming skills. Passionate about wine, they turned their dream into a reality by building a family-owned and operated state-of-the-art winery in the heart of Osoyoos wine country. Bordertown wines use top 100% estate grown fruit for wines that highlight the very best of the varietals that flourish in the south Okanagan. Wines are produced by proprietor Mohan Gill, overseen by the expertise of accomplished consulting winemaker Daniel Bontorin, who is helping us develop the Bordertown style, which places an emphasis on fresh fruit flavours.

We’re nestled in the heart of Osoyoos, a border town that has long been celebrated for rich soil and brilliant sunshine. We’re a new generation winery that strives to showcase the distinct regional characters of Osoyoos fruit. We’ve made our home in Osoyoos, a winegrowing region that provides us with the diversity to grow 14 varietals in unique growing conditions. Coupled with Osoyoos’ extended days of heat and sunshine, we think we have wine growing Nirvana. Each spring, our majestic winery comes alive with gorgeous blossoms, brilliant foliage, and the distinctive hues of individual fruits.

These are current or soon-to-come releases:

Bordertown Pinot Gris 2025 ($N/A). This is a delicious wine with aromas and flavours of pear, peach and citrus fruits. The finish is persistent. 92.

Bordertown Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (N/A). This is an expressive wine, with aromas and zesty flavours of tropical fruits. 91.

Bordertown Unoaked Chardonnay 2025 ($N/A). This wine is packed with fruit, especially peaches and apricots. The finish is fresh and long-lasting. 90.

Bordertown Viognier 2025 (N/A). This is a classic Viognier – full-bodied with flavours of guava mingled with grapefruit. 90.

Bordertown Living Desert White 2025 (N/A). This is a complex blend: 52% Muscat, 29% Gewurztraminer, 12% Pinot Gris and 7% Chardonnay. The intense aromatics were still developing in this recently bottled wine. A day after opening, the wine began to show well, with fresh, zesty aromas and flavours of spicy stone fruits. 91.

Bordertown Pinot Noir 2021 ($29). This wine was made with fruit grown in a Mt. Boucherie vineyard. It has aromas and flavours of cherry and raspberry, with classic notes of forest floor and spice on the finish. With a bit of time in a decanter, the silky texture emerges. 90.

Bordertown Pinot Noir 2022 ($N/A). Again, the fruit is from Mt. Boucherie. In the glass, the wine presents with a vibrant and appealing hue and aromas of black cherry and raspberry which are echoed on the palate. The ripe tannins give the wine a sturdy texture, suggesting this is a wine from an outstanding vintage that deserves to be cellared. 92.

After 93 Pinot Noir 2023 ($N/A). After 93, a sister winery to Bordertown, also sourced the fruit for this wine from Mt. Boucherie. The delicious fruit-driven wine begins with aromas of cherry, raspberry and blackberry. The flavours are vibrant and lively, with notes of cherry and spice. There is a delicate hint of pepper on the silky finish. 93.

Bordertown Merlot 2021 ($24 for 421 cases). The estate-grown fruit is from Bordertown’s Osoyoos vineyards. This is a big, ripe wine that was aged 12 to 18 months in French oak. It begins with aromas of cassis, blueberry and dark cherry, which is echoed on the generous palate. 92.

Bordertown Living Desert Red 2021 ($N/A for 644 cases). This is an exceptional blend of 38% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Syrah. After ferment, the wine was aged 12 to 18 months in French oak. In the glass, it begins with aromas of cassis, cherry and raspberry. The palate delivers dark cherry and black currant with a hint of chocolate. 94.

Bordertown Malbec 2021 ($35 for 1,025 cases). The fruit for this wine was grown in a vineyard on the East Bench Osoyoos. After fermentation, the wine was aged 12 to 18 months in French oak. This is a dark wine with perfumed aromas of cherry and blackberry. The palate delivers flavours of plum and other dark fruits mingled with leather and a hint of pepper. 91.

Bordertown Cabernet Franc Reserve 2021 ($N/A for 1,220 cases.) Made with grapes grown in Osoyoos, the wine – after a long ferment – was aged 20 to 24 months in French oak. It begins with vivid aromas of blackberry, dark cherry and spice, all of which is echoed on the luscious palate, 93.