Recipes The West End Grill Ken Wright Cellars, Pinot Noir

Ken Wright Cellars, Pinot Noir Recipe

inspired by

@thewestendgrill

Feb 15 2026

•

35m

•

Serves 2

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Recipe information

Make Ken Wright Cellars, Pinot Noir in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Wine serving

1. Chill (if necessary)

Pinot Noir is best served slightly cool. If the bottle has been stored at cellar temperature (55–60°F / 13–16°C), serve as is. If stored at room temperature, place the bottle in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before serving to reach ~55–60°F (13–16°C).

2. Inspect and prepare

Remove the foil and cut the capsule cleanly. Wipe the top of the bottle with a clean cloth. If the bottle has a natural cork, gently remove it with a waiter’s corkscrew, aiming to avoid cork fragments falling into the wine.

3. Decant (optional)

Ken Wright Pinot Noirs are typically aromatic and can benefit from brief air exposure. Pour the entire bottle into a decanter and let it breathe for 15–30 minutes if you prefer a more open bouquet and softer tannins. For older vintages (over 10 years), decant gently and watch for sediment; pour slowly and stop when sediment approaches the neck.

4. Glassware

Use large-bowled Burgundy or other large red wine glasses to concentrate aromas. Pour about 5–6 oz (150–180 ml) per glass to allow room for swirling.

5. Tasting order

Swirl the wine gently to release aromas. Inhale to note primary fruit characteristics (cherry, raspberry), secondary notes (earth, forest floor, mushroom), and tertiary notes if present (dried herb, spice). Take a small sip, let it coat the mouth, and note acidity, tannin, and finish. Rinse palate with water between tastings or pairings as desired.

Pairing & accompaniments

6. Cheese & charcuterie

Arrange the soft cheese, aged cheese, and charcuterie on a board. Soft cheeses complement the wine’s red fruit and silky texture; aged cheeses add savory contrast. Serve small portions so the wine remains the focus.

7. Bread & crackers

Provide crusty baguette slices or neutral crackers to cleanse the palate between bites and to support the cheeses and charcuterie.

8. Mushroom accompaniment

Roasted or sautéed mushrooms highlight earthy, forest-floor notes in the Pinot Noir. Serve warm mushroom bites beside the wine for a complementary pairing.

9. Chocolate pairing

A small piece of dark chocolate (70% cacao) can be offered at the end of the tasting. Pinot Noir’s bright acidity and red-fruit character can balance a modest square of dark chocolate; avoid very sweet or milk chocolates which can clash.

Storage & leftovers

10. Recorking

If you do not finish the bottle, reinsert the cork (clean side in) or use a stopper. Store the opened bottle upright in the refrigerator to slow oxidation.

11. Shelf life after opening

An opened Pinot Noir will generally keep for 2–4 days in the refrigerator with a stopper. Expect some loss of fresh aromatics and brightness after the first 24–48 hours.