Fine Burgundy wine is the choice of the true wine enthusiast, representing the "highest expression of the vine", experts claim.

Writing for the New Jersey Star Ledger, critic T J Foderaro claims that Burgundy wine is the perfect combination of purity and complexity that "elicits pure passion" among wine aficionados.

US-based wine importer Jerome Hasenpflug agrees, saying that there are two key factors that make Burgundy more interesting than Bordeaux or other fine wines.

"For one, it's intellectually challenging. And it's one of the most sensuous things you'll ever put in your mouth," he told the publication.

The critic goes on to recommend tasting bottles of 2008 Domaine Michel Briday Bouzeron, 2008 Domaine Coffinet-Duvernet Chassagne-Montrachet Blanchots Dessous and 2008 Antonin Guyon Corton Clos du Roy Grand Cru.

In the first tastings of 2009 Burgundy, wine critics continued to enthuse about the qualities of the region.

Victoria Moore, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said that the vintage produces very promising wines from all appellations.