You remember in "A Christmas Story" how all Ralphie wanted was a Red Ryder BB gun? (The one with a compass in the stock and that thing that tells time.) When I first saw this in the stores, it was all I really wanted for Christmas. And I have to say it has not disappointed me.

What can be said about the new improved Rabbit over its predecessor? Well perhaps everything. Gone are the double levers used to hold the device closed while the vertical lever was employed to release the cork. In their place is a very sleek device using a single grip that you use to hold the device onto the bottle. Although it still looks like the profile of a rabbit (when not in use). Perhaps the fastest way to open a bottle of wine. You open the device, slip it onto the neck of the bottle, close the device around the neck with one hand and with the other operate the vertical lever. Down to seat the corkscrew into the cork, up to remove the cork, then with the device off the bottle, operate the lever again (with the "leaves" closed) to release the cork. Three simple motions. And all done in about 3 seconds. How do I know? Silenus timed me on a couple of bottles. It seems to work equally well on natural and synthetic corks.

It comes in at least 3 colours, Red, Gunmetal Grey and Black. And made of durable metal with metal gears for years of trouble free use. Comes with a 10 year warranty. Also included in the package is an extra corkscrew (easy to replace) and an oval foil cutter (better than their round one, but still not perfect). And some instructions on the underside of the rather futuristic plastic case it all comes in.

The perfect gift for the wino, err, wine lover on your list.

Metrokane Vertical Rabbit
Wine Opener

Website: www.Metrokane.com