The 2008 Burgundy vintage has been overlooked due to the focus on the quality of the 2009, it is claimed.

Jean-Claude Boisset's winemaker Gregory Patriat told the Drinks Business that 2008 Burgundy is the best year for white Burgundy since 1999.

The wines come with "good concentration", Mr Patriat suggests, with good ageing potential making it an "outstanding vintage".

One of the producer's particular favourites is Saint-Aubin, which he insists is high quality yet still relatively cheap.

"Although the prices have gone up it is maybe one of the best in terms of value for money for top whites," Mr Patriat told the publication.

Jon Bonne of the San Francisco Chronicle has also been effusive in his praise for the quality of the 2008 Burgundy whites.

He recently noted that Domaine de la Romanee Conti's 2008 Le Montrachet shows "graceful integration of oak and fruit" that is unusual in a wine so young.