The burgeoning relationship between Chinese wine investors and growers in Bordeaux is in danger of hitting the rocks, following criticism from one former estate owner.

Real estate firm subsidiary Zhongai bought the 46-acre vineyard of Chateau de la Salle in Bordeaux in January following three years of difficult negotiations, Wine Spectator reports.

However, former Chateau de la Salle owner Patrick Etineau has accused the company of poor business practice in arranging the deal.

Mr Etineau goes on to claim that Zhongai is neglecting the site, as the house remains shuttered and the two retained staff are left without money to tend the land or to prune the vines for the 2011 harvest.

"They have never even visited the estate. I put my heart into making a good wine. I never would have sold them the chateau had I known," he told the publication.

Overseas investment is becoming more common in Bordeaux and is now beginning to enter Burgundy.

US businessman Alex Gambal has just become the first non-French national to own a Montrachet site, after purchasing Les Batards Montrachet.