When I got this information I laughed out loud. For many years my palate found the Clos du Bois wines VERY toasty-too much oak, especially in the Chardonnay. Like sucking a toothpick dipped in a glass of white wine.

Fortunately a new winemaker is making a new class of Clos du Bois wines that don't make me think of toothpicks. The subtleties of the barrel enhance the lovely fruit and yes, there's still a taste of that oak for those who like such, but it's used to enhance rather than overwhelm the natural characteristics of the grape - be it chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon or merlot. The California winery is using its tenacity for toast in a much more palatable way this month. Visit www.toasttomom.com and send your mom a FREE "E Toast". When you send that virtual thought from the heart, Clos du Bois sends a buck to WomenHeart, a national patient advocacy group for American women with heart disease.

Mom not into wine?? Then visit www.theanimalrescuesite.com for FREE E Cards to send. Sponsors allegedly donate a percentage of their sales for the number of "clicks" on this site. Don't know if it's true but the FREE E CARDS are fun. Plus the site also links to other organizations that donate "clicks" to fight hunger, support children's health, the environment and women's wellness. And you'll find FREE E Cards there too.

2006 Dry Creek Vineyards Chenin Blanc - Crisp, fresh, silky white wine with enticing aromas and flavors of blood orange, tangerine, and minerals. Dry and delicious the flavors linger and are delightful as aperitif with goat cheese and crackers or fresh oysters. For dinner, pair with grilled, broiled or blackened fish or seafood.

2006 Geyser Peak Winery Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc, River Road Ranch - You can never go wrong with a GP Sauvignon Blanc. This one offers nose-twitching aromas of white grapefruit and herbs. Tangy fresh but not overwhelming flavors of grapefruit, melon, and gooseberry perk the palate for sushi, Pad Thai noodles, grilled pork, fish or chicken.

2005 Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Gris - thank you to Abby's mama and papa, who gave this to Harp for his birthday party/Warfleigh Wino's St. Patty's Day bash. He may be 63 in dog years but I don't let him appreciate the juice. But I did. Lush, silky, rich, dry white with aromas and flavors of nutmeg, pears, white peach, and Chimayo. Fabulous with grilled fish, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, roast turkey. An all around great food wine.