The fine wine market is expected to grow 10% over the year, according to survey of wine professionals worldwide - but doubts remain as to the viability of en primeur.

The Fine Wine Market Outlook 2012, a survey of 120 wine merchants, auction houses and investment fund managers, has reported a largely upbeat view of the investment market for 2012, with only 12% of respondents expecting further significant price drops.......

Having been in the wine industry since 1984 I have developed a decent pallet. My particular interests are in the wines of Southern France from which I have witnessed enormous improvements in the quality of these wines. Previously unfashionable appellations are turning out barn-storming wines of incredible quality. It is in fact becoming increasingly more difficult to find bad wines.

I am at a loss to understand why so many wine writers and non-French wine makers seem to be tempted to criticise Bordeaux for their high prices.

Yes I cannot deny that wines I previously enjoyed I am less able to do so. Wines such as Leoville Barton, Duhart Milon, Grand Puy Lacoste, Lynch Bages etc unfortunately have become prohibitively expensive for my ever thinning pocket......