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
Beronia Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$40.00
The 2001 Beronia Gran Reserva is light to medium bodied, with nicely aromatic notes of integrated red currant/cherry, cedar, coconut and vanilla. The tannins are refined (decant for half an hour or more), the acidity is not balanced (bit acidic) and the finish is long but light. I am a huge fan of the 2005 Beronia reserva (of which I still have almost a case of) and so I expected this wine to be similar, yet better. I find this wine to be too light, not what I expected at this price range. Because of the light body, I think aging is pointless, instead drink now. My impression: still NICE even though I was a bit disappointed, 90 pts and not a recommended buy due to $$, should cost around $20. 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
Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses 2010
Priorat, Spain$48.95
The 2010 Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of red currant, blackberry, oak, cut hay, vanilla and coconut. It has a solid structure with good acidity, nice minerality, refined tannins and a medium to long finish. It’s still quite young, drink 2014-2020. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - though not a typical wine from Priorat.
Tasted during 'The Wines of Alvaro Palacios' tasting organized by WineAlign on March 19th, 2012.
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
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
Palacios Remondo Propiedad 2008
Rioja, Spain$39.00
The 2008 Palacios Remondo Propiedad is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of black currant, caramel, oak and vanilla. The structure is acid forward and with refined tannins and the finish is medium to long. Drink now or hold for 5 years. My impression: NICE, 89.5 pts.
Tasted during 'The Wines of Alvaro Palacios' tasting organized by WineAlign on March 19th, 2012.
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
Baron De Ley Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$29.95
It seems that most people have already tried the 2001 Baron De Ley Gran Reserva, before I did, and no wonder why. It came out originally on December 11th 2010 and then again on March 17th 2012. Not only that, but this wine won the Gold Medal winner at the 2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition (according to LCBO, but where?) - so where was I?
This aged wine is medium bodied, with intense aromas of red fruit - remnants of cherries and red currants, dominating leather, soft pine and fading vanilla. After 11 years, the structure is still solid yet soft; with nice, food friendly acidity, subtle to refined tannins and a long finish. Decant in a glass and watch it evolve. It was ready to drink some time ago and still has at least 5 years of life left, before even more of the complexity begins to diminish. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - recommended buy despite the $$. Tasted March/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
Pirramimma Katunga Gts 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$24.95
The 2007 Pirramimma Katunga GTS, which received a Silver Medal at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition, is composed of 54% Grenache, 24% Tannat and 22% Shiraz. It is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of vanilla, oak and blackberry on the nose and raspberry, unripe pomegranate and sandalwood on the palate ending in a long, mineral finish. The structure still needs some time to come together as it is currently tannic (decant for 1+ hours) and a bit acidic. It should be cellared for the next few years, drink 2014-2020. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts – sipping wine or with strong cheeses. Tasted Apr/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
Sandhill Cabernet/merlot 2009, VQA Okanagan Valley, Sandhill Estate Vineyard
British Columbia, Canada$19.95
The 2009 Sandhill Cabernet/Merlot is a medium bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry, sweet vanilla, cedar and very faint green note. Acidity is on the acidic side, tannins are refined (decant for 1+ hours) and the finish is long. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. This wine can be enjoyed with food or sipped by itself. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts - great wine from Canadian producer, hence a recommended buy. 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)G
Château Saint-roch Chimères 2007, Ac Côtes Du Roussillon Villages
Languedoc, France$19.95
This medium bodied blend consisting of 65% Grenache, 5% Carignan and 30% Syrah has nicely aromatic, integrated notes of cherry, black currant, pine and green pepper. It is tannic (decant for 1 hour) with a medium to long, bretty finish. This wine can be aged for 5 to 10 more years. My impression: NICE, 89 pts. Tasted AGAIN in Aug/10 during French wine tasting and it was very well liked by other tasters.
One observation I would like to make is that even though this wine was released in February, there are still plenty of bottles left, which makes me conclude that it is not ALL THAT (as some critics say). However, on the other side, there are many reviews scoring above 90. So perhaps this wine is worthy of a try.
PREVIOUS RATING
(one for which I got a thumb up and a thumb down)
This fruity, medium bodied wine has notes of prune, bilberry and earthiness containing scents of pine. It struck me as a bit acidic and tannic (needs at least 30 min to open). This wine is nice, but I am not a fan of very plumy wines. It reminds me of some Jay Miller 90+ wines from Spain for under $15. Impression: NICE, 88 pts. Tasted Feb/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
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia
Australia$27.95
This full bodied Australian Cab is nicely aromatic with integrated notes of black currant, blackberry, Earth, pine, vanilla and oak. The tannins are refined to tannic (decant for 1/2 to 1 hour) and the finish is long and smooth and silky. It should nicely evolve for the next decade or so. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts. Reviewed again May/10.
My earlier review:
Dominated by black currant, black cherry and bilberry, this wine also has notes of pine, oak and vanilla. It is smooth and silky; still young, fruity and somewhat tannic (needs one hour to open), with medium to full body and a long finish. My impression: BEAUTIFUL. Tasted Feb/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