Dennis Sanson has not been at the LENS Vintage Tasting event for a number of years now, too bad, because he makes some of the most interesting wines in the region. I stopped in just before the event started to see what was new. The most impressive wine was his Syrah that may never see the light of day again. It seems the grapes have been ripped up because it wasn't a consistent crop, "3 out of 10 years is just not viable," Dennis told me. The production was also limited to about 300 cases. Those who do make their way down to the LENS should pick up a few bottles of this treat (well priced at $19.95). The nose screams Syrah, not Shiraz, with plenty of smoked meat, white pepper and black raspberry. The palate deals out black licorice, chocolate, black pepper and peppered raspberries ... the finish is lovely with a smokiness wrapped in a thin layer of vanilla. The wine was aged 12 months in American oak, Dennis just loves that US wood. Price: $19.95 - Rating: ****1/2