Most wine lovers will readily recognise the first and even second-growth labels from the most prominent Bordeaux chateaux, such as Haut Brion, Latour and Margaux, but is there a way to identify the others without committing them all to memory?

A reader of the Wine Spectator asked just this question, prompting Peter D Meltzer to reply that there is "no easy answer" as few chateaux label whether the wine is a first, second or any other classification of growth, meaning "confusion reigns".

"You may see the phrase Grand Cru Classe en 1855 (Grand Cru classified in 1855), or the words 'Grand Vin' (great wine)," advised Mr Meltzer.

"Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases' label simply states Grand Vin de Leoville with no reference to its classification."

According to China International Business magazine, chateau Lafite's immense popularity in China has led some forgers to sell second growths poured into a Lafite bottle.