Will these selections work?

[wondersofwine]

Your on the right track I think. If you have a Cabernet sauce on the beef, you may want to go with a Cabernet Sauvignon in place of the Merlot. You could choose an inexpensive one such as Hess Select. The Pinot Noir should be selected to go with the salmon (a delicate Pinot Noir--not the over-extracted in-your-face kind). Riesling might complement the chicken or could be consumed with the salmon for those who prefer a white wine. Pinot Gris gives them another alternative. Eight bottles for fourteen people is generous, but if any are unopened, you can use them on another evening.