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
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2008
South Australia, Australia$59.95
The 2008 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz is a medium to full bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of overripe blackberry, blueberry, subtle black currant, caramel, pine, vanilla and coconut. It has a nice structure with refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a long and smooth finish. Put this one away for >3 years to mature and as this wine has a great potential to cellar, drink 2015-2025. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92+ pts – a recommended buy as a gift or for people with deep pockets. Tasted June/12.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO @ www.grapeselections.com
or
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
Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mclaren Vale
South Australia, Australia$26.95
The 2009 Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a full bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense, ripe aromas of blackberry, black cherry, coconut and vanilla. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 to 30 min) and the finish is long, smooth and silky. Drink now or hold upright (screw cap) for 5 or so years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts - correctly priced – hence a recommended buy. Unfortunately the screw cap prevents me from adding this wine to my cellar. Tasted Feb/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
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
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
Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2006
Tuscany, Italy$34.95
The 2006 Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino is a light to medium bodied, integrated wine. On the nose, it has some unappealing notes of manure/barnyard as well as pleasant aromas of leather, oak, dark chocolate, raspberry and cherry. It has a nice acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30 to 60 min, but not longer) and a long finish. Drink now or hold for 5-10 years. My impression: NICE, 89 pts - borderline enjoyable due to the barnyard nose, perhaps time will smoothen it out. 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
Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2008, Do Ribera Del Duero
Ribera Del Duero, Spain$26.95
The 2008 Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza, composed of 100% Tempranillo that was aged in oak barrels for 18 months, is a medium bodied wine, with intense aromas of integrated to aged red berries, oak, coconut and vanilla. Tannins are refined (decant for 30 min) and a finish is long. Drink now or for the next 5+ years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - recommended buy. Aug/12.
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
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
Far Niente Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Oakville, Napa Valley
California, Usa$218.95
The 2008 Far Niente Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium bodied, fruity to INTEGRATED wine, with nice aromas of black currant, blueberry and dark chocolate. Tannins are refined (decant for 30 to 60 min) and the finish is smooth, long and coconuty. Try now, but best to age from 2013/4 to 2020 as the score will improve. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - it is a good deal if $$$ is no object, as it will significantly improve with age, otherwise wait for something nearly as good and for more acceptable price to come out. 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