On Dasher! Last-minute holiday spirits

I'm making my list for my Christmas Eve dash to the local wine and spirit shop. I'll buy beer and wine for our open house -- and also pick up some gifts I feel certain will be appreciated, while saving me precious, precious time.

Here are a few goodies that are too good to be left on the shelf:

Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne, a lovely and festive bubbly that has the finesse of the best French sparklers, with a price tag of about $40.

Clos du Bois 2004 Alexander Valley Reserve Merlot, is lush and jammy, a party for the palate that brings together ripe blackberries, mocha and black cherry with a full, round finish. Expect to pay about $20.

Gin drinkers tend to fall into two camps, traditionalists and adventerous types. For our friend who enjoys gin martinis, I'll pick up Bombay Blue Sapphire gin, an elegant elixir with citrusy notes of juniper berry. Our wild and crazy gin drinker will be sipping Bulldog, a boutique gin heady with botanicals. Both sell in the $25 range.

On Dasher! Time to load up the sleigh!