Bob Broman, winemaker and owner (along with his wife Deborah Russel Broman) of Broman Cellars, is living the dream of finally bottling under his own name. Broman Cellars currently produces 1,000 cases a year, and intends to hit 7,500 cases. The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon ($48) presents predominately ripe fruit, darkened with a light undercurrent of cocoa and oak. It boasts nicely integrated tannins and a velvety smooth finish. In contrast, the full-bodied Napa Valley Syrah ($30) is a jammy red with a touch of smokiness. This wine would go well with barbequed meats.

I spotted Bob Shepard, part of the Amici Cellars team. Amici's 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon ($42) showed soft tannins and currant flavors, and the 2005 Pinot Noir ($42) displayed zesty pepper and cranberry notes.

I have yet to visit the Chimney Rock Winery in Napa, but will do so the next time I'm in the area. I simply loved the 2002 Chimney Rock Elevage ($75), a deep-red Meritage that will age nicely for several more years.

My next stop was with another wine legend of California, Mike Grgich, President and winemaker of Grgich Hills Cellar. The winery was flatteringly portrayed in George Taber's new book, Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine. Mike, being the great salesman he is, talked me into buying an autographed copy of the book. To get one yourself, call the winery at 707-963-2784.

All in all, the Vinters showcase was a fun experience. I look forward to seeing old favorites and discovering new ones at next year's event.

Wine Vine & Dine recently hosted a seven-course pairing dinner at Victor's in Hollywood, showcasing lesser-known Italian wines.

The dinner kicked off with a fiery calamari fritti antipasto. This dish was paired with a 2004 Falanghina Feudi di San Gregorio ($15). The wine was quite sugary, which counterbalanced the strong horseradish in the sauce, and then dissipated quickly off the tongue. Next up was a spicy scampi della casa, well-matched with a 2003 Malvasia Villanova ($15). The bottle showed pineapple notes on the nose, and lush tropical fruit on the palate.

The group moved on to reds at this point, sampling bruschetta with a 2003 Capezzana Carmignano, Villa di Capezzana ($32). This Chianti-Cabernet Sauvignon blend (a 90-10 mix) was young and fresh, with smooth tannins. Next came a Sicilian Syrah, the 2002 Sirae Feotto della Jato ($32). Light and a bit sharp, it didn't hold its own against the spicy eggplant dish with which it was served. That said, the wine displayed enough interesting flavors that it may fare much better with milder food.