Bordeaux 2009 'will be bought by speculators, not drinkers'
The biggest buyers of the spectacular Bordeaux 2009 are likely to be speculators and investors rather than those who appreciate fine wine, according to a recent survey.
Decanter.com polled five wine professionals in Hong Kong and mainland China about where they thought the market for the vintage was headed, finding that many believe the wine will be bought for resale.
Merchants Simon Zhou and Marcus Ford said speculators will likely play a large role as they seek to capitalise on new-found interest from China, while drinkers' reactions will be more subdued.
The top 15 wines, which decanter.com predicts could include Mouton Rothschild and Lafite, will be heavily traded although the rest may attract "very little interest", according to Mr Zhou.
However, connoisseur Michael Ma disagreed, saying merchants will be "disappointed" if they expect the Chinese to buy wine, even 2009 Bordeaux, at inflated prices.
According to a recent survey by the Vinexpo event, Chinese women could form a key part of Asia's burgeoning wine market.