Dan Trcka
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Followers (47)
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Following (5)
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Reviews (1015)
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Updated September 2013.
....Dear reader, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Daniel Trcka and much like yourself, I am a wine enthusiast.
My wine story
....I am inherently curious and have always had the need to figure out how things work – this drive has led me to become as I am today. It is always interesting how passions evolve before they become entities that engulf oneself and become him or herself. My passion began the day when I decided to make my own wine. Thinking that my creation must fare better than the cheapest 1.5L table wine I went ahead and surprisingly achieved it. Naturally, this then led to a simple question “what makes one wine better than another”? The somewhat complicated answer took me on a quest to learn about the complexity and the range of ‘tastes’ – first seeking the answer in a pursuit of knowledge (I highly recommend reading a 926 page book titled WINE by Andre Domine), and then finding it by training my sense of smell (54 scent Les-Nes-Du-Vin kit, also highly recommended) and learning how to listen to it. Subsequently, natural progression (for me) was to share my passion and the newly gained knowledge, and so I started reviewing wines on the WineAlign website, and Natalie MacLean’s site, but these not fully satisfying my need to express myself, I developed this webpage and launched it on July 19th, 2012.
My palate
....Let’s face it, I love red wines and even though I appreciate white wine, I really enjoy reds. My palate is quite varied, meaning that I enjoy all sorts of wines ranging from light bodied aromatic Pinot Noirs, fruity Barberas or tannic Nebbiolos to full-bodied green Carmeneres, refined Cabernets or jammy Malbecs or Shirazes. If I go by the numbers, then in the not-so-distant-past, Rioja’s Tempranillo followed by Piedmont’s Nebbiolo and Tuscan Sangiovese were the most common guests on my dinner table; though recently Ontarian wines (mainly whites) have become quite frequent and welcomed visitors. I enjoy wines that spent some time in oak, acquiring some toasty/woody notes that add to their complexity; prefer mid-aged (integrated) wines, but don’t shy away from youthful and fruitful ones; and I pay attention to the trueness of the grape. I hope that knowing this will help in deciding whether my palate matches yours.
Other than wine, what do I do
....I am fortunate to work in a prestigious research institute, on a fascinating, cutting edge project, for a professor who is one of the smartest men I know and with colleagues that are a friendly, knowledgeable bunch. We are trying to understand what makes stem cells – stem cells; specifically, we convert regular cells into stem cell like cells, using mice and mouse cells as our model. We then use these cells to generate mouse embryos, from which we isolate differentiated embryonic cells and induce them to undergo secondary, synchronized reprogramming into a stem cell like cells. We can study this secondary reprogramming and gain insights that bring us ever closer to personalized medicine in hope that one day we, the mankind, will be able to convert one’s cells into body’s deficient or damaged cells thus restoring health.
My contribution to scientific advancement
– MBNL proteins repress ES-cell-specific alternative splicing and reprogramming.
.. Nature June 13th, 2013.
– A late transition in somatic cell reprogramming requires regulators distinct from the pluripotency network.
.. Cell Stem Cell December 7th, 2012.
– Discoidin domain receptor-1 deficiency attenuates atherosclerotic calcification and smooth muscle cell-mediated mineralization.
.. American Journal of Pathology. November 5th, 2009.
– Collagen stimulates discoidin domain receptor 1 mediated migration of smooth muscle cells through Src.
.. Journal of Cardiovascular Pathology. January 19th, 2010.
– The in vitro real-time oscillation monitoring system identifies potential entrainment factors for circadian clocks.
.. BMC Mol Biol February 16th, 2006.
Contribution Acknowledgement
– Matrix-dependent adhesion of vascular and valvular endothelial cells in microfluidic channels.
.. Lab Chip August 7th, 2006.
– Transcriptional oscillation of canonical clock genes in mouse peripheral tissues.
.. BMC Mol Biol June 16th, 2004.
– Fez1 is layer-specifically expressed in the adult mouse neocortex.
.. European Journal of Neuroscience December 2nd, 2004.
Reviews
Stratus Chardonnay 2012, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$48.00
The 2012 Stratus Chardonnay, naturally ferment in barrel and then aged for 9+ months in French oak barrels (18% new), has rich aromas of butter, vanilla and oak on the nose and ripe pear, wood and vanilla + butter on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine; with good acidity and a long finish. This is a sipping wine (though food friendly); enjoy for 5-10 years (enclosed with long cork). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts – recommended for its quality, though rather pricey. Tasted in Jul/14 at 'Barrels & Bonfires (i4C 2014)' http://grapeselections.com/i4c-2014/.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
Mission Hill Compendium 2009, BC VQA Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$50.00
The 2009 Mission Hill Compendium, composed of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot that was fermented and aged in small French Oak barrels, has intense aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and cigar box. It is a full bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine, with food friendly acidity, refined tannins and a long and silky finish. Though compatible with food, enjoy this wine on its own, drink now – 2020+; evolution potential of +2 pts. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 (93) pts – recommended based on quality though not available in Ontario. Tasted September/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/mission-hill-winery-of-the-year/
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Mormoreto 2010, Castello Di Nipozzano, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$63.95
The 2010 Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi Mormoreto, composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot that was aged in French Oak for 24 months, has captivating bouquet of cigar box, vanilla, clove and faint leather on the nose and blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and oak on the palate. It is a medium to full bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; balanced with good acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30+ min) and a long to extra long, smooth and silky finish. Enjoy with the special someone on-its-own; drink now to 2020-25. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts – recommended for its quality. Tasted at 'Taste Italy 2013' http://grapeselections.com/taste-italy-2013/ in Nov/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2006, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$27.95
The 2006 Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva has intense aromas of dried cherry/black cherry, dark chocolate, oak, leather and faint vanilla. It is a medium to full-bodied, extra-dry, integrated to aged wine, with good acidity, refined tannins and a smooth and silky finish of long length. Drink as a sipper; now – 2020. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts – recommended due to both quality and value. Tasted July/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
F.X. Pichler Loibner Klostersatz Grüner Veltliner Federspiel 2012
Wachau, Austria$37.95
The 2012 F.X. Pichler Loibner Klostersatz Grüner Veltliner Federspiel, sourced from Wachau, has light mineral aromas as well as lemon and apple notes. It is a light bodied, dry, fruity wine; with good acidity and a long, lightly creamy finish. Enjoy this wine with food; drink now to 2016+. My impression: NICE, 88-89 pts. Tasted in Apr/14 at 'Tasted with Andreas Wickhoff, Austria’s third Master of Wine, at the Fine Wine Reserve.' http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections/wine-reviews/.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
Tawse Estate Chardonnay 2011, VQA Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$37.95
The 2011 Tawse Estate Chardonnay was harvested from Robyn’s Block, David’s Block and Hillside vineyards that are certified biodynamic; after which the wine was then fermented and aged in French Oak for 12 months followed by 6 months in stainless steel tanks. It has appealing aromas of lemon, yellow apple and vanilla on both, the nose and palate. It is a light bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine; with refreshing acidity and a medium finish. This is a food friendly as well as sipping wine; drink now and for the next 2-3 years (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NICE, 89 pts. Tasted in Jul/14 at 'Barrels & Bonfires (i4C 2014)' http://grapeselections.com/i4c-2014/.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
Huff Estates South Bay Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$23.75
The 2010 Huff Estates South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay, aged in French Oak for 14 months, has alluring aromas of pear, subtle oak and vanillin. It is an extra-dry, medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine with checked acidity and a long, clean, oak and subtle vanilla dominated finish. This is a sipper, drink now-2018. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts – recommended based on both, quality and value. Tasted April/13 at WineAlign Cru tasting.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Glen Carlou Petit Verdot/Tannat 2009
Paarl, South Africa$14.75
The 2009 Glen Carlou Petit Verdot/Tannat, comprised of 85% to 15% proportions and aged in used oak barrels for 18 months, has characteristic South African aromas composed of earth, lees, black cherry, oak and coffee been on the nose and red currant, sour cherry, black berry and ripe coffee beans on the palate. It is a full bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; with crisp acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and a long finish. It is food friendly and a sipping wine; drink now to 2025 – best 2018/19 (cork enclosure). My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted in Feb/15.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2011, Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$24.90
The 2011 Blue Mountain Pinot Noir has intense, captivating aromas of rosehip, pine needles on the nose and pomegranate, blueberry, dates, light strawberry and vanilla on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, dry, fruity wine, with good acidity, subtle tannins (decant for 30-60 min) and a long finish. Enjoy on its own; drink now and for the next 3-5 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92+ pts – definitely recommended, however it is only sold at the winery. Tasted May/13 and again Sept/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
Ringbolt 21 Barriques Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Margaret River
Western Australia, Australia$44.95
The 2010 Ringbolt 21 Barriques Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French and American Oak (30/70%) for 12 months; has intense aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, lees, oak, vanilla and pomegranate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; with forward acidity, dusty tannins and a medium to long finish. Drink with food or on its own; drink now-2020+. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts – recommended for its quality.
Tasted at Australia Today 2014 Trade show http://grapeselections.com/australian-wine/ in Feb/14.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V