The quality of 2010 Bordeaux is such that the top labels could match the record prices paid for the 2009 vintage.

This is the view of expert James Molesworth, who says in a piece for Wine Spectator that the 2010 Bordeaux wines are "very ripe and sport some punch".

Having tasted a number of the major Bordeaux producers' latest bottles, he says there is also plenty of acidity for balance and an abundance of tannins, aided by the long, dry growing season in the region last year.

In addition, he predicts that the Cabernet-dominated Left Bank wines may be the best of an excellent all-round vintage.

Other experts at the recent London tasting have agreed that 2010 Bordeaux features some "extraordinary" wines.

Master of Wine Beverley Blanning told Decanter that 2010 Bordeaux is "very drinkable with nice acidity", although at an average of 14.5 per cent, the alcohol content is higher than normal.