I'm running for wine & laundry

About the time you're reading this I'll be preparing to plod my way across Marlborough's vast vineyard plains in the Saint Clair Half Marathon next week. I'll be cursing myself for not having a spoon handy to scoop my own eyeballs out for being so stupid. Why did I say I'd do this? The only thing keeping me going will be the thought of a large glass of Marlborough's finest at the finish. Okay, so it'll probably have to be administered intravenously because I will be paralysed with pain - but that's fine, I'm not fussy.
Let's be honest, though, the thing that will really keep me going is the thought that maybe, hopefully, fingers crossed, my husband will have folded and put away the Himalayas-sized pile of laundry that's been sitting in my lounge all week. I'm hoping that he'll realise that it's Mother's Day soon and there are some things I want more than anything else in the world.
But failing that, I'll be happy with a nice bottle of our nation's finest, and if you think the mother in your life may feel the same way then here are some fabulous wines I've tried recently that could just be your ticket out of doing laundry.
Goldridge Estate Gisborne Chardonnay 2009 $15 Has those classic peach-laden flavours that Gisborne chardonnay is famous for. It's punchy and mouth-filling with a tangy, tropical finish - and great value, too.
Astrolabe Farm Marlborough Riesling 2009 $18 Oh my gosh, this is sensational stuff. Packed with pacific rose apple, beeswax and fig aromas, it is so aromatic and clean and refreshing and downright delicious I need more.
Bellbird Spring Home Block White 2009 $30 Is created from pinot gris, Riesling gewurztraminer and Muscat grown on a single vineyard in Waipara's Glasnevin Gravels. Gorgeous lifted florals mix with honeyed stonefruit characters to leave a rich, softly spicy, textural mouthfeel.
Huntaway Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 $24 Plum, allspice, leather and red cherry aromas blend with hints of chocolate and berry in the mouth. It finishes with that classic, lush tea-like character that I love.