Eminent wine critic Jancis Robinson has claimed that publishing the scores of Bordeaux wine before the chateaux have announced their prices is unhelpful for the consumer.

On her Purple Pages website, Ms Robinson suggested that higher scores for en primeur Bordeaux could push the estates to over-inflate their prices.

"Stepping a long way back from the whole business of being a diligent reporter, I can see that I play a part in a process that really does not benefit the consumer," she wrote.

Other critics have joined the debate, with Robert Parker agreeing in principle but adding that for writers to agree not to publish scores immediately would "smack of collusion".

Writers and buyers alike will now be closely analysing the performance of 2010 Bordeaux wines when the prices are announced.

Early tastings reports from critics suggest the vintage is another excellent offering that could be as good as 2009, being well-balanced with good acidity.