Wine enthusiasts looking to pick up a fine Bordeaux wine may wish to consider the region's 2008 vintage, it is claimed.

Bordeaux 2008 is extremely high quality - a fact reflected in the excellent scores awarded by eminent wine critic Robert Parker. Despite this, it still remains very affordable, the Drinks Business notes.

The 2008 vintage's en primeur release was mired in the depths of the economic downturn, and although prices have appreciated since, values are still much lower than in other years.

Citing the latest Fine Wine Fund report, the Drinks Business reveals that Chateau Lafite 2008 is 31 per cent less expensive than the 2000 vintage, while Chateau Margaux 2008 is 35 per cent cheaper than the 2000.

Top wine critic Jancis Robinson recently suggested that wine collectors holding on to Bordeaux 2003 should drink it as soon as possible.

While the quality is still there, the fruit flavours in the wine will not last much longer as the grapes did not go through the normal ripening process in that year, Ms Robinson claimed.