re: Best red wines to go with a steak dinner.

I think that big, tannic red wines go best with beef, specifically steak. I think the tannin is a good foil for the richness of steak. I prefer Bordeaux, or wines made from Bordeaux varietals (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec) over other options. I find Pinot is overwhelmed by beef, and most Aussie shiraz is too out of balance for my tastes to match with really any food.