Josh: I really do not know your comfort zone or taste but with the steaks, which look very impressive, I would consider Spain as an option. There are some nice looking bottles on the list at decent prices and they certainly pair well with steaks.
A couple years ago at a place that shall be nameless, we went with another couple so I couldn’t go my usual nutsy coocoo. So with a wine budget of $1000 we ordered 2 bottles at the low end. A 70s era zin and 80s cab. Then a 60’s Bordeaux with a 59 Burg. Great way to handle it IMO.
Flanagan Cab - I believe Melka is their consultant, really good stuff that no one talks much about
Yates Cabs - Estate vineyards on Mt Veeder, rustic style (not as rustic as Mayacamas) but likely very versatile with pairings
Melka CJ Cab - I don’t need to say a lot about this, good wine, good fruit source, great winemaker
Lail Blueprint Cab - Love the 2011 of this wine, not green at all, my favorite Blueprint Cab that I’ve tasted
Ehlers Cab Franc - I’m a Franc nut but this is a great wine
Yates Cab Franc - Again, Mt Veeder Franc…if that sounds like a good combo (does to me), go for it
St Supery Merlot - If this is the Dollarhide bottle it’s a very brawny, full Merlot that could trick anyone into thinking it’s Cab
2008 Wallis Family Estate at $88 - don’t see any prices for 2008 but CT average is $50.83 and the 2012 is available for $85-$90 at retail, so $88 is a very good price - 94 WE, 90 Parker, 91 Tanzer, 91 Spectator - have a bunch in the basement, nice cabs - made by Thomas Rivers Brown since 2008 - and it will have some age on it.
Also look at 2012 Melka CJ - Have had and liked earlier vintages of Melka CJ, but have not tried the 2012 - at $100 looks like a modest markup from retail range of $60-$75 - but early in the drinking window.
First off, if this was a group of my friends we’d be having seafood appetizers so the 2011 Donnhoff Nahe would be our first bottle.
I like One Point Five a LOT and can’t get behind that vintage if you’re friends like full bodied Cabs. Look at the 2012 Shafer Merlot instead.
For the two other reds, the next 3 are very good recommendations:
Elevation was the key to 2011, and Howell Mtn Cabs are very good. Not as powerful fruit as the so-called ‘better’ years, but the same mountain flavor just toned down.
Corison is usually pretty good and if you got this and the Donnhoff, you’d be able to get 2 bottles for less than one at your $150 per bottle budget.
Never had this, but I would trust Karen’s insider information.
If you really want a killer full bodied Cab, hands down you want to grab the 2012 Frias Family Vineyards Spring Mountain - not exactly a bargain at $110, but it is chock-full of mountain fruit.
Has anyone mentioned the 2010 Château LaFleur Haut Cararas yet? That’s a pretty easy drinking fruity young Bordeaux.
Seems like the hits are the Cade, Bevan, La Jota, Pape Clement with flyers being the Shafer merlot, Melka & Paradigm and some of the WA wines. Will keep y’alls other suggestions in the back pocket to order on my own! Thanks for being very helpful and I’ll blame y’all if these aren’t hits