There is probably no region where it is harder to get a handle on the most recent vintage than Champagne. The window for tasting the still wines, known as vins claires, is quite narrow, and only lasts from the end of the calendar year of the harvest until the following spring, when the wines are bottled. Unlike other regions, there are no formal events to show the young wines to the trade and press. Even visiting the region is no guarantee of being able to get a good look at the wines.