Oenophiles who feel that the price of Bordeaux 2009 is getting a little too much for their pockets have been reminded that the region is not all Chateau Latour and Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

While the quality of produce from the first growth chateaux continues to astound, wine critic Elin McCoy noted in the Arizona Daily Star that there are many smaller winemakers from the region that continue to be overlooked.

In total, more than 8,500 estates operate in the Bordeaux region, many of them smaller properties that sell quality wines at affordable prices.

Ms McCoy pinpoints particular highlights as the Chateau Robin 2005, the Chateau Beausejour 2007 and the Chateau de la Huste 2005.

According to Wine Spectator's Auction Index, demand for Bordeaux wines has risen sharply in Asia and South America in the third quarter of 2010.

Fine wines on sale at US auction houses rose in value by an average of nine per cent during this period, compared to the previous three months.