While the high prices of Bordeaux en primeur 2010 may have put off all but the most serious aficionados of claret, one wine writer has reminded buyers that there are still many wines from "lesser" producers that can be had for a reasonable price.

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Will Lyons said Bordeaux 2010 is "unquestionably a great vintage", with the potential to hold its own or even surpass other great years such as 2005, 2005 and 2009.

"It is a vintage with high levels of alcohol, tannin and acidity," he said.

"The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc handled last summer's heat well, giving the wines extra lift and freshness."

Mr Lyons singled out a few of the lower end chateaux that are undoubtedly offering good value this year, including Chateau Lacoste Borie, the second wine of Grand Puy Lacoste, Chateau Teyssier of Saint-Emilion and Chateau Capbern-Gasqueton, which may be "one of the best buys of the vintage".

According to Decanter, a number of UK merchants have raised concerns about the release of Cheval Blanc 2010, which has been priced at nearly twice that of the 2005.