The quality of Bordeaux 2009 could be the greatest in a generation, one vintner has suggested.

Alexandre Thienpont, owner of Vieux Chateau Certan in Pomerol, is delighted with the quality of his 2009 vintage, the Scotsman reports.

"My father never saw a vintage like this in his lifetime," he told the publication, suggesting that the 2009 is just as good as the 1945, and possibly better than the 1961.

Conditions for growing in 2009 were perfect, with good spring rainfall, a warm summer with cold nights and a dry autumn.

The newspaper goes on to note that particular highlights of the Bordeaux region from 2009 are the Chateau Palmer and the "outstanding" Chateau Latour, although the harvest was so good that second label Les Forts de Latour is a fine, more affordable alternative.

Early indications for the 2010 vintage suggest that it is another high-quality crop, although it may have a slightly higher alcohol content than normal.