Smaller Bordeaux producers 'are not catching the 2009 wave'
The success of Bordeaux 2009 has yet to filter down to many of the smaller chateaux, according to one wine writer, who said that low and middle-range Bordeaux remains depressed along with the rest of the global market.
Writing in the Independent, John Lichfield said despite the fact that they will not be ready to drink for 20 years, chateaux like Latour and Mouton-Rothschild are expected to go for around £800 for the 2009 vintage.
By contrast, hundreds of obscure chateaux are stock at rock bottom, according to Mr Lichfield, who advised wine lovers to "support the oenological sans-culottes, not the aristocrats".
"In the short term there may be terrific bargains for people who like to drink claret, rather than hoard and trade it," he added.
It follows news reported by decanter.com that more than half of Bordeaux's ordinary winemakers are facing severe financial straits, with transaction fees dropping as low as €500 (£411) per tonneau (1,200 bottles).