Pinot Noir vs Merlot

[vivace]

Thank you to Wondersofwine & Innkeeper for your responses. I am a relatively new meeting planner that needed to finalize menus for a very high level executive dinner. Some of the executives attending are very well-versed in wines. I would be grateful for any advice regarding research sources-but in this instance I really wanted an expert opinion and I needed it right away.
So please know that I respect your time and your response was very much appreciated.
I enjoy trying different wines, and have been to a few tastings & winery tours, but am really just beginning to learn about wines. If you wish to offer any advice regarding how to best research for the future - I am open for your suggestions. Thank you again for your time.