I was given a bottle of Chateau Mayne-Vieil Fronsac 1989 ("Appellation Fronsac Controlee") as a wedding gift, but admit to not being much of a wine critic and was wondering if anyone had any idea what characteristics it would have, and what food it would go well with?
This is primarily a merlot based wine from a petite chateau that sells for about $15-$20 for the current release. I'm not sure of the aging potential but I would guess that it should have been consumed about ten years ago at best. It may still be ok but I would have a back-up handy.
1989 was a good year. As Bill points out, this is a petit chateaux that would typically be drunk in its first 10 years. That said, I've had some '89 and '90 Fronsacs that were still doing well, and with good storage conditions there's a chance you have something nice. It will certainly be mature , so aim for roast chicken or braised meat - not rare meat, or maybe something like a mushroom risotto. And have a backup bottle. Good luck, and please report back!
If good I'd expect a very soft wine, some secondary /tertiary notes (things like leather, moss, tobacco, old leaves) on some softer plum flavors.
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