First anniversary red wine help

[tiny ham]

Hi again. My hubby and I are having dinner at Ruth's Chris next weekend for our first anniversary (I've been once before and enjoyed the filet and au gratin potatoes - just delicious).

Anyway, I'm still really new to wines and saw that Ruth's Chris' website recommended a shiraz with their filets. I've never had shiraz and don't know what to expect. We went to Smith and Wollensky in Vegas last month and really enjoyed a bottle of Ballantine 1997 Merlot. I've had more experience with white wines but would like to experiment more with reds and feel next weekend will be a perfect opportunity. I'm not a fan of reds that taste too strong of alcohol, but the merlot last month was wonderful. Should I stick with something similar or try a shiraz? Any recommendations would be appreciated - thanks!