There has been a notable shift in the typical profile of the Asian fine wine buyer, it has been suggested.

Initially, Chinese interest in Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild and other Bordeaux labels was based on consumption, according to David Elswood, Christie's International head of wine.

However, speaking to Bloomberg, Mr Elswood suggested that Asian wine enthusiasts are increasingly looking to wine speculation, which could create a "price bubble" at the very top of the market.

This could mean that top brands like Chateau Lafite Rothschild may suddenly fall in value when values become unsustainable.

"For 200 years wine has been a stable and predictable market. Now, because of a small number of wealthy bidders, it's unstable and unpredictable. Anything can happen at an Asian auction," he told the publication.

The Wall Street Journal this week predicted that the 2011 fine wine market will be defined by reaction to the en primeur release of 2010 Bordeaux.