The Yamhill-Carlton AVA is located in Oregon's Willamette Valley, north of the city of McMinnville, and about 35 miles southwest of Portland. Just west of the production zone, the Coastal Range provides a rain shadow over the area, while the Chehalem Mountain to the north also help block rain, as well as sending cool breezes through the vineyards. Vineyards are planted between 200 and 1000 feet; soils are a mix of marine sediments and sandy loams. The typical Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir has a very deep color, bright plumy fruit and slightly lower acidity than Pinot Noirs from other regions. (Wine/Appellations)