Wine enthusiasts put off by the high prices for 2009 Burgundy should consider the "purists' vintage" from the previous year.

This is the view of wine critic Jay McInerney, who claims that many Burgundy winemakers prefer the 2008s to the 2009s.

Writing in a piece for the Wall Street Journal, Mr McInerney notes that the 2008 Burgundy vintage had a "difficult birth", but many have put on weight in the barrel.

He adds that this makes them leaner and lighter than bottles from the 2009 vintage, as well as being more reflective of their individual terroirs.

A second tip for those looking for good value Burgundy is to look to the less well-known appellations like Savigny les Beaune, Marsannay, Rully and Monthelie, Mr McInerney concludes.

The critic's comments echo those of Jean-Claude Boisset winemaker Gregory Patriat.

Mr Patriat told the Drinks Business last week that 2008 Burgundy has been "overlooked", despite being the best year since 1999.