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A Wine Pays Homage to America’s Dream Machines

October 52, 2017 – The first ever wine in a chromed glass wine bottle has hit the market with the appropriate name of “Chrome Dreams”.  This extraordinary project comes from Tank Garage Winery in Calistoga. An ode to the golden era of American automobiles, Chrome Dreams features a mirrored surface and extruded wing-wheeled emblem inspired by the gorgeous chrome of iconic cars of the 30s, 40s, 50s and early 60s.

To achieve this revolutionary aesthetic, Tank Garage Winery spent over one year working with a packaging manufacturer to perfect their proprietary chroming process. The bottles are powder sprayed and each clear-embossed resin seal is delicately formed and imported from Italy.  It is glued by hand on each bottle.  The result is stunning but we were disappointed that it didn’t have a foil capsule to cover the cork.  This is wine that will end up being cellared and the capsule protects the cork from drying out.  At the very least, a medallion of foil glued over the exposed cork would be an elegant finish to this unique package.

“We wanted to go back to a time when cars weren’t just cars, but artful vessels of freedom, carrying the American dream westward across Route 66. Classic cars were a direct reflection of our greatest hopes and dreams – we were inspired to bring that spirit of aspiration back with Chrome Dreams,” said James Harder, co-founder of Tank Garage Winery. “From the wine to packaging, the entire experience is designed to create a sense of marvel. We are excited for wine drinkers.”

Drive through the Napa Valley and you’ll see beautiful wineries emulating French châteaux, Tuscan villas, even a Persian palace, as well as historic old stone buildings alongside gems of modern architecture.  But nowhere is the essence of American culture captured better than at Tank Garage Winery.  It really is an old service station in downtown Calistoga that has been restored to look like it did in the 1930s, complete with pumps that no longer pump gas.  A large sign that reads “Lubrication” invites you to taste wine.  It has become a fun hot spot for locals and tourists alike to indulge in small, limited lots of interesting blends sourced from both domestic and foreign wine regions.

Chrome Dreams is a highly collectible big Napa Cab from the 2015 vintage (14.9 percent abv).  It is labeled 2015 Napa Valley Red Wine but with 87 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it is well over the required 75 percent to be varietal specific.  It also contains eight percent Cabernet Franc and five percent Petit Sirah. The latter certainly contributes to its intense, dark color.  It has plenty of body and balanced tannins and while it can be enjoyed now, a few years of cellaring won’t hurt it.  Chrome Dreams retails for $75 for a 750 ml bottle and is available on line from the winery.  This is not a wine you will find in your local wine shop but it is a wine you will want to buy for your favorite car collector or classic car enthusiast.  Only 500 cases were made so if you are thinking about putting one under the Christmas tree, buy it now. https://www.tankgaragewinery.com/