Yamhill-Carlton

Climate

Protected by the Coast Range from direct marine influence, the horseshoe shape creates a warmer, more continental climate than coastal appellations. The configuration traps warm air and reduces cooling fog penetration, resulting in higher temperatures and earlier ripening than neighboring Dundee Hills.

Terroir

The AVA sits atop Tertiary marine sedimentary formations, primarily the Yamhill Formation, composed of sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone deposited when the area was under ancient seas. These sedimentary layers contain marine fossils and create well-draining soils with moderate water retention, allowing vine roots to penetrate deeply into the fractured bedrock while maintaining access to moisture during dry summers.

Typical Aromas