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
Terre Nere Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$42.95
The 2005 Terre Nere Brunello Di Montalcino is a medium bodied wine, with intense aromas of integrated cherry, thyme and delicate sandalwood. Tannins are refined to tannic (decant from 15 min to 1 hour and watch it open up) and the finish is long and silky. Brunello's are meant to be aged, though ready to drink now, sample for the next 10 or so years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL to DIVINE, 91.5 pts - would be a recommended buy (especially for this price - inexpensive for Brunello's) if I managed to review it when it got released Mar19/11. Tasted Nov/11.
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
Stratus Stratus Cabernet Franc 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$38.20
The 2007 Stratus Cabernet Franc is a fine example of this single varietal, originally (over)priced at $38, then reduced to $24.95. The wine is medium bodied, with nice aromas of integrated red fruit (raspberry, red currant), coffee, leather and black pepper. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 to 30 min) and the finish is medium to long. It is good to drink now and will be for the next 5-10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 89.5 pts - and would be a recommended buy if still available. Tasted Sept/11.
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)
Segal's Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Galilee Heights, Israel
Israel, World$17.95
The 2007 Segal's Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of raspberry, leather, oak and subtle clove and dark liquorice. It has a nice structure with nice acidity, refined tannins (decant for 1 hour for it to open) and a medium to long finish. It is ready to drink now or can be cellared for 5+ more years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91.5 pts - recommended buy. Tasted Nov/11.
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
La Bastide Saint Dominique Châteauneuf Du Pape 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$42.95
The 2009 La Bastide Saint Dominique Châteauneuf Du Pape is medium bodied, FRUITY to integrated wine, with nice aromas of yogurty cherry and red currant. It is slightly sweet, with nice balance of acid and refined tannins (decant for 15 to 30 min) and the finish is medium, bit alcoholic at 15.5% and somewhat tangy. This wine should definitely be aged as it is too young and it will do so nicely for more than a decade - try around 2014. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL to NICE, 87 pts - while looking at the other reviews, I am starting to wonder if I am reviewing the same bottle, but having time to pay attention to the entire bottle (not alone), I must stand by my review. Tasted Aug/11.
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
Mas Igneus Barranc Dels Closos 2006, Vinyes De Coster, Doca Priorat
Spain$18.75
This is a powerful wine with a substantial complexity. It has medium body with integrated fruit and elegant aromas of black currant, blackberry, violets, cedar and slight vanilla. Tannins are refined to tannic (decant for 30 min all the way to 2 hours and it will only get better; the wine is a bit metallic in the first 5-10 min) and the finish is bold with a medium to long length. The combination of high alcohol and tannins ensure that aging and evolution will happen for the next 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - highly recommended wine for under $20, could easily cost up to $30 without any eyebrows being raised - BUY, BUY before its all gone. Tasted May/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)V
Terre Del Barolo Monvigliero Barolo 2004, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$33.95
The 2004 Terre Del Barolo Monvigliero Barolo is medium bodied, INTEGRATED to aged wine with nice aromas of cherry, wood and liquorice. Tannins are tannic (decant for more than 1 hour) and finish is long to extra long and smooth and silky. It is good to drink now and shall be between 2011-2020. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts and a recommended buy. Tasted July/11.
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)V
Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia
Australia$16.95
Dan Trcka
The 2009 Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is medium bodied, fruity to INTEGRATED wine, with nice aromas of sweet cherry + vanilla and thyme on the nose and blackberry and bilberry on the palate. It is off balance: slightly acidic, with refined tannins (decant for 1 hour plus) and a medium to long finish with noticeable fizzyness that lasts for the first hour. Drink now or hold standing up (screw cap) for short term. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL (at first) to NICE, 88 pts - not a recommended wine. Tasted Nov/11.
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)G
Franco Molino Barolo 2006, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$29.95
The 2006 Franco Molino Barolo is light bodied, integrated wine, with nice aromas of cherry, liquorice and wood. It is very tannic (decant for more than 2 hours) and the finish is long and tight. It should be cellared for at least 3 years to allow the tannins to subdue and perhaps allow more of the complexity to shine; can be enjoyed 2015-2025. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL, due to being too tight (and I love tannins), 88 pts - Not a recommended buy as recently I have tasted several other Barolos or Barbarescos that were cheaper and far better - check out Terre Del Barolo Monvigliero Barolo 2004 (97535) or Pelissero Barbaresco 2007 (214551). Tasted August/11.
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)V
Anura Reserve Merlot 2005, Wo Coastal Region
South Africa$19.89
The 2005 Anura Reserve Merlot is a full bodied wine with nice aromas of integrated black currant, blackberry, toasted oak, smoke, coconut and vanilla. It is tannic (decant for longer than half hour), quite alcoholic and the finish is long and smooth, once it decants that is. It is definitely worth aging as it'll be at its best from 2015-2020 and can cellar for more than 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL (when decanted), gets 91 pts after deducting a point for being too alcoholic - a recommended buy even though there aren't that many left. Tasted Nov/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)V
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