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New-wave California A–J

Evangelho Vineyard in Contra Costa, California by Larry Piggins

California is about so much more than Napa Cabernet and basic brands, and more and more of these lighter, fresher, more original wines are available outside the US. Here's a taste of some of them. See also New-wave California K–W, to be published tomorrow. Picture of the sandy Evangelho Vineyard in Contra Costa County by Larry Piggins. See also my State of California overview.

These 61 tasting notes are grouped by producer; the complementary 63 tasting notes from producers whose (sur)names begin with a letter after J in the alphabet will be published tomorrow. Producer introductions vary enormously. The...