Dan Trcka
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Followers (47)
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Following (5)
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Reviews (1016)
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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
La Fortuna Brunello Di Montalcino 2009
Tuscany, Italy$49.95
The 2009 La Fortuna Brunello Di Montalcino has intense, lifted aromas of pomegranate, cigar box, oak, clove and anise on the nose and pomegranate, red currant, coconut, and vanilla on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; BALANCED with crisp, refreshing acidity, refined tannins and a medium to long, smooth finish. Drink now – 2025+. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 93+ pts – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted in Mar/14 at 'Benvenuto Brunello' http://grapeselections.com/benvenuto-brunello/.
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
Château Des Charmes St. David's Bench Vineyard Gamay Noir Droit 2012, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$16.95
The 2012 Château des Charmes Gamay Noir ‘Droit’ sourced from the St. David’s Bench Vineyard, has elegant aromas of lightly earthy raspberry-cherry-blackberry fruit on both the nose and palate. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with refreshing acidity, soft tannins and a medium, smooth finish. It is a food friendly and sipping wine – the soft tannins allow it to pair well with cured meats (sausages, prosciutto, jamon iberico), drink from now to 2018-20 (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts - recommended for both its quality and value - do not hesitate to get several before they sell out. Tasted in Sep/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
Dr. Hermann Erdener Treppchen Kabinett Riesling 2010, Pradikätswein
Mosel, Germany$17.95
The 2010 Dr. Hermann Erdener Treppchen Kabinett Riesling has seductive aromas of honey, petrol, slight burnt match and linden on the nose as well as gooseberry and petrol on the finish. It is a medium bodied, medium-sweet, fruity to integrated wine; with acidity that is not able to balance the body and sweetness, and a medium to long, finish. This wine is both, food friendly and a sipper; drink now to 2020 – no further cellaring potential (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended for its value. Tasted in Mar/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
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2010
Marlborough, New Zealand$32.95
The 2010 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir, sourced from selected vineyards in Awatere and Wairau Valleys in Marlborough and aged in French Oak for 10 months, has elegant aromas of vanilla, stables, pomegranate and red currant. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; BALANCED with excellent acidity, refined tannins and long finish. This is a food friendly wine but will reward on its own; drink for the next 5+ years (screw cap enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts – recommended for its quality. Tasted in May/14 at 'Tasted during New Zealand in a glass tasting' http://grapeselections.com/new-zealand-fair-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
(0)
Trius Showcase Chardonnay Wild Ferment Oliveira Vineyard 2012, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
Ontario, Canada$36.20
The 2012 Trius Wild Ferment Chardonnay was sourced from Lincoln Lakeshore and then aged for 11 months in French Oak barrels; has attractive notes of lees, gooseberry and vanilla. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with good acidity, slight fizz and a medium finish. This is a food friendly wine; drink for the next few years (cork 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
Giacosa Basarin Vigna Gianmaté Barbaresco 2007, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$39.95
The 2007 Giacosa Basarin Vigna Gianmaté Barbaresco is a light to medium bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of cherry, pine, vanilla and liquorice. It is tannic (decant for 1+ hours) and has a long finish. Sip by itself or drink with salty yet non-dominant foods; drink now-2023. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts - reasonably priced and a recommended buy. Tasted Jan/13.
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Masi Costasera Amarone 2006, Veneto
Veneto, Italy$41.95
This lightly aromatic, medium bodied Amarone has fruity to integrated notes of cherry, black currant, chocolate and green pepper. The tannins are subtle (decant for 30 min) and the finish is medium. It should be at it’s best sometime in 2011-2013. My impression: NICE. However, I would not buy it again as I consider the price to be too high. I have tried some Ripassos that performed better for under $20. Tasted Mar/10.
If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)G
Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro, Spain (500ml)
Spain$16.95
The Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro, a fortified Moscatel, has intense aromas of honey, apricots, floral/linden notes, tea – Earl Gray perfume, citrus – all on the nose, and orange, honey and soapy minerality on the palate. It is a syrupy/thick bodied, sweet/fortified, integrated wine, with somewhat lacking acidity and a medium to long and sticky finish. Sip this one glass at a time; drink now or hold for 5-10 years and watch it evolve. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89/93+ pts – mouth feel of 89 pt wine (could be less syrupy and have higher acidity) whereas the nose is 93+ and unlike anything I have tried before – this wine is nicely priced and a must try – definitely recommended. Tasted May/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
Domaine Des Bernardins Muscat De Beaumes De Venise 2009, Ac, Vin Doux Naturel
Rhône, France$13.45
The 2009 Domaine Des Bernardins Muscat De Beaumes De Venise is a full bodied wine, with intense notes of honey, citrus, roses and other floral aromas. It is quite sweet, yet not syrupy and has a long and floral finish. Can be drunk now and should age well for another 5+ years. Drink-how: excellent desert wine. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts. Tasted Aug/12.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Inniskillin Vidal Sparkling Icewine 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, In Gift Tube (375ml)
Ontario, Canada$79.95
The 2010 Inniskillin Sparkling Vidal Icewine is a delicious desert wine with fine bubbles, refreshing acidity and notes of apricot, peach and honey. Despite the bubbles, there is no need to worry about getting light headed after a glass or two, since it is only has 9% alcohol. Drink in the next 1-2 years. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts and quite unique (but then again, you are paying for it). Tasted Jan/12.
If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V