The Balons take on Wine Spectator's Grand Tour

In the wine world, Wine Spectator Magazine's Grand Tour is to wine fans what the Superbowl and the NBA finals are to football and basketball fans.

And so like moths to the flame, Rob and Jennifer Balon were drawn to The Venetian Hotel's Grand Ballroom where over 200 of the world's finest wine producers were on hand to pour, and pour, and pour some more. And when I say finest, I am not exaggerating. We began our tasting experience by having a wonderful '97 Brunello di Montalcino Col D' Orcia poured for us by Francesco Marone Cinzano. No wonder Wine Spectator has annointed the Brunello as Wine of the Decade. It was and is spectacular.Signore Cinzano extended a kind invitation to us to vist him in northern Italy and we'd sure like to go.

Everywhere we turned, there were California classics like Caymus, Opus One, Silver Oak, Chalk Hill, and Mondavi Reserve. French legends from Bourdeaux and Burgundy like Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, Chateau Palmer, the famous Domaine de la Romanee Conti (DRC) and the beloved and extraordinary Champagnes like Dom Perignon, Pierre Jouet, Tattinger, and many more. So great was the abundance that we had to navigate our way through the offerings, lest we miss one of the must-trys.

Needless to say, it was an extraordinary evening. If you ever have an opportunity to take the Grand Tour, by all means do so. Check out the Wine Spectator website www.winespectator.com/wine/home for more on the nearest city.

Fans line up at Chateau Latour.

The Niebaum-Coppola booth was busy all night. I'm sure Francis was delighted.

Rob in front of Chateau Magdelaine with trusty guide book in hand.

It was difficult to pry Jennifer away from the Dom Perignon booth.

Rob and Jen were repeatedly drawn back to the Chateau Margaux booth.