The 2011 Bordeaux falls short of the two previous excellent vintages and is not going to compete in terms of quality, and prices need to reflect this.  Last year, Chateau Lafite en primeur, or still in the barrel,  hit £ 10,000 a case and appreciation is not expected, say merchants.

Consumers in China and other areas of Asia continue paying inflated prices for wine, cognac and Scotch whisky, more as a status symbol than for enjoyment.