The Right Bank Bordeaux wines of 2010 offer density, extraction and tannins in abundance, but may not be as fresh as those from 2009.

According to the Drinks Business, many critics are suggesting that overall, 2010 Bordeaux is fresher than its predecessor, but this is often not the case with Right Bank bottles.

The big difference, according to the publication, is the high alcohol level of the 2010 vintage.

Right Bank Merlot grapes had a very high sugar content, which has translated to alcoholic volume of 14 and 15 per cent - or in some cases higher.

However, according to Philippe Dhalluin of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the tannin level is high on the Left Bank too. "Even the juice was tannic this year," he told the news provider.

Will Lyons, writing in the Wall Street Journal, recently suggested that the 2010 Bordeaux vintage is "bigger and richer than ever".