While the Bordeaux 2010 vintage has already been touted as the wine of the decade, with some critics saying it could even surpass the 2009, the en primeur campaign is floundering after chateaux released a steady stream of eyebrow-raising prices.

The Financial Times reports that price rises of around 50 per cent have been seen compared with Bordeaux en primeur 2009, while other chateaux have refused to price their wines yet until the market settles.

Financial Times wine expert Jancis Robinson said climate change may be playing a part in producing a string of exceptional vintages, which could in turn push prices even higher.

"The 2011 growing season is looking exceptionally early … and early vintages are usually good vintages, so we could end up having three really good vintages on the trot," she said.

Ms Robinson went on to say that the market is baulking at 2010's prices after spending so much last year.