Not all chef-and-winemaker collaborations result in greatness—some falter when marketing overshadows the wine’s quality or when the partnership lacks true synergy.

But Charlie Clay Pinot Noir is one of the success stories. This Russian River Valley wine, crafted by winemaker Clay Mauritson and celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, has become a sought-after favorite among discerning wine lovers. With just a few hundred bottles produced each year, this small-production gem proves that when done right, the results can be something special.

A French-inspired Beginning

“It all started on a trip to Burgundy in December of 2005. Chef Charlie Palmer and I were traveling with some friends to the Hospice du Beaune, one of the most famous wine auctions in the world. The now infamous 2005 vintage had just been put into barrels, and we were fortunate enough to taste what can only be described as perfection in a glass. Inspired, Charlie decided that he wanted to make Pinot Noir. . . . It was time to call in some favors. After countless phone calls and much begging, we were able to get our hand on some of the greatest Pinot Noir growing in Russian River Valley, Charlie Clay was born.”

— Clay Mauritson

The 2016 vintage stands out with bright notes of ripe cherry and cranberry, complemented by hints of earth and warm spices. I opened a bottle on Christmas Eve for my family’s feast of the seven fishes, and it was an excellent match for miso-crusted hake and seared scallops drizzled with a passion fruit mint sauce.

Every sip underscored just how special Charlie and Clay's collaboration is. While their Pinot Noir is slightly more restrained than many other Russian River Valley counterparts, it still delivers a round mouthfeel, juicy red fruit flavors, well-balanced acidity, and silky tannins. It is lively yet refined, equally at home at a holiday feast or a laid-back summer picnic.

While the 2016 vintage is now a rare find, newer releases such as 2022 carry forward the same quality, telling the story of a remarkable winemaker-chef alliance. The 2022 is priced between $59 and $67 and can be found at mrdwine.com and mauritsonwines.com. Previous vintages can be found at wine-searcher.com.