A Chinese billionaire has purchased a Bordeaux vineyard as a gift for his son, in what some experts believe may be the start of a trend.

Chateau Chenu Lafite was bought by the as-yet unnamed investor from Philippe Darricarrere of Chateau Mille Secousses, after the latter ran into financial difficulties, Decanter magazine reports.

Sacha Lichine, former owner of Prieure Lichine in Margaux, suggested to Decanter that there are many Chinese firms now looking at Bordeaux estates.

"I believe it was the location of the estate, next to the Dordogne River, and its wonderful old park and building, that first attracted them. But of course this is also a wonderful brand name," Mr Darricarrere told the publication.

The name, closely resembling that of First Growth Chateau Lafite Rothschild, could have been a key consideration for the buyer.

In 2008 the Bordeaux estate Chateau Latour Laguens, again similar to a First Growth, became the first to be purchased by a Chinese company.