If your primary concern is to pair the wine with the steak, then I’d go with the '06 Cabot Syrah. If your primary concern is to make it a “grand evening” then … well, I still think you should go with the Cabot Syrah!
I have a Champagne for the start of the evening, well wife has it. not sure what it is. Was thinking the 06 Aubert Ritchie Chardonnay for the salad and early in the evening.
And then of course Makers Mark will always be at my side.
Would one of my cabs or Bordeaux be too “big” for a meal like this? there are a couple that each of us have never had, but just do not want o open before the prime or pair with the wrong meal:
1999 Château Fontenil
1996 Harlan Estate The Maiden
1989 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru)
1998 Château Beychevelle
THese are a couple I had in mind.
you guys are a wealth of knowledge. and I thank you for your help.
John, I just looked at you CT wines. I love Steak au Poivre and I personally love me some syrah with it. For me, I would throw out for a choice to your wife…2004 Carlilse DCV. Had a bottle two weeks ago and it is signing. Would suggest at least a couple hours of air.
I find a top Zin always goes great with au poivre and all the pepper. I usually make it w/ black, green and red peppercorns finished w/ a shallot/ cream/ cognac sauce.
Zin might not sound that great but for pairing w/ this dish I find it perfect. IMO the subtle nuances of an aged bord etc might be lost with all the pepper.
I’d pick one of the Carlisle zins you have or the Cabot/ Carlisle Syrah’s…
Good timing for this thread–I’ve been looking for something to eat with my 06 Shane Jemrose Syrah. Supposedly a peppery bottling, this sounds perfect. Thanks for posting & for the good recs following!