Kevin Youkilis' tastes kind of sweet.

David Ortiz? Well, his is a little bitter.

What's sweet and bitter, you ask? The wines that favorite Red Sox players are lending images to in support of their favorite charities.

The wines with bottles donning labels featuring familiar Sox faces were introduced last year, with Schilling Schardonnay and Tim Wakefield's CaberKnuckle. Now, Ortiz, Youkilis and team captain Jason Varitek are joining the effort.

The wine is available, though hard to find, in some local stores. You can also buy them online for $13.99 at Charitywines.com. They come from Selby Wineries in California.

"The most important thing to me was to make something approachable, that would appeal to a broad group of people," said winemaker Susie Selby, who sent samples to players and asked them to help come up with the names.

"I like it. It's a Cabernet. It's good," said Varitek of his "Captain's Cabernet" at a recent launch party for this season's new offerings.

While he says wine isn't his favorite beverage, it will help his favorite cause — Pitching in For Kids.

Last year, more than $300,000 was raised for charity through the portion of proceeds earmarked toward them. This year, sales should propel that number well past the million-dollar mark, according to co-owner and vice president of Charity Wines John Corcoran.

Pick your pleasure

r David Ortiz: "Vintage Papi"

2006 California Blend, Healdsburg, Calif.

Benefits The David Ortiz Children's Fund

Aromas of warm blackberry cobbler with currant, black plum, fresh earth, herb, cedar and a hint of anise. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, mocha, spice and mineral with rips, firm tannin on the finish.

r Jason Varitek: "Captain's Cabernet"

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Healdsburg, Calif.

Benefits Pitching In For Kids

This cabernet sauvignon is rich and elegant with enticing flavors of black currant, tart cherry, tobacco and clove. This Cabernet is a full-bodied wine with a finish of moderate tannins.

r Kevin Youkilis: "SauvignYoouuk Blanc"

2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Healdsburg, Calif.

Benefits Kevin Youkilis Hits For Kids

Loaded with rich concentrated flavors of melon, minerals and lemon-lime nuances that trickle crisp and clean on the palate, ending with a snappy, well-rounded finish.

r Curt Schilling: "Schilling Schardonnay"

2006 Chardonnay, Lontue Valley, Chile

Benefits Curt's Pitch for ALS

Estate-grown and hand-crafted, this unoaked chardonnay shows lively flavors and aromas of apricots, apples and tropical fruits. Crisp and medium bodied, this well-balanced white pairs well with salads, pasta, fish and chicken.

r Tim Wakefield: "CaberKnuckle"

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lontue Valley, Chile

Benefits Pitching in for Kids

This estate-grown, hand-crafted cabernet sauvignon shows a deep red color with aromas of blackberries, currants and a hint of spice. With its long smooth finish, this well-balanced red matches perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, pasta and pizza.

Source: Charitywines.com