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
Valle Reale Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2007, Doc
Abruzzo, Italy$21.95
The 2007 Valle Reale Montepulciano D'abruzzo is a medium bodied, fruity wine, with appealing aromas of dark fruit, red currant and with woody notes of cedar and oak. It has tannins that are refined to tannic (decant for 30 min or more), somewhat sharp acidity and a medium to long finish. Drink now or cellar for 5-10 years. My impression: NICE, 88.5 pts - nicely crafted Montepulciano here, give this one a try. 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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2007, Elqui Valley, Coquimbo
Chile$14.95
The 2007 Mayu Reserva Carmenère is fruity, medium to full bodied wine with nice aromas of yogurty strawberry, red currant and green pepper. It has refined tannins and a medium and alcoholic finish. It will soften and integrate with time, drink 2013-2018. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL to NICE, 88 pts. Tasted May/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.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Falernia Reserva Syrah 2007, Elquí Valley
Chile$19.95
The 2007 Falernia Reserva Syrah is full bodied, fruity wine with nice aromas of black cherry, prune, smoke and combination of cedar/green pepper. The wine is unbalanced with notable acidity and refined to tannic tannins (decant for 1 hour). The finish is silky, medium to long and a bit alcoholic. This wine will greatly benefit from aging as it is somewhat disconnected, drink 2014 onward. My impression: NICE, 89 pts. Tasted June/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Marchesi Di Barolo Barbaresco 2006, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$29.95
It is highly unusual to see a Barbaresco for such a deal, especially from this winery. This medium bodied wine has beautiful aromas of integrated to aged strawberry, raspberry, caramel, chocolate, cedar and liquorice. The tannins are still tannic (decant for 30 min) and the finish is medium. It can nicely evolve for the next 5 to 10 years, so even though it is ready to drink, it should be aged a bit. My impression BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - a recommended buy. Tasted June/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
K W V Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Western Cape
South Africa$15.95
The 2008 K W V Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon is medium bodied, nicely aromatic wine with integrated notes of cherry, blackberry, roasted chocolate and cedar/oak. It has a nice structure, with refined tannins (decant for 30 min), refreshing acidity and a long, mineral finish. Drink now till 2016 as KWV wines age well in short term. My impression: NICE, 89 pts and a recommended buy. I am a fan of KWV wines - especially the Merlots, so I decided jump on the reviewing wagon and add to the 10 already existing user reviews whom I just echo. LCBO's decision to add this wine to the essential collection and for $15 was the right one. Tasted Oct/11.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO @
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Brancaia Tre 2007, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$23.95
The 2007 Brancaia Tre is definitely a wine (not THE wine) to talk about. Getting 5 critic reviews before the February 5th release and most of them giving excellent or better reviews, resulted in a frenzy with the entire LCBO stock being depleted before one week was up. It took me some time and a help from a very good friend before I was able to secure 5 bottles, so naturally I was anxious to try it. It being a super Tuscan and me having others in my cellar, I had high expectations, which were quickly taken away upon opening and the discovery of a fake cork.
This wine is medium bodied with nice aromas of integrated blackberry, freshly picked coffee beans, cedar and coconut. Tannins are refined (decanting for 30 min is a must), high acidity is quite noticeable and the finish is medium. If real cork was used, aging would be of a benefit, but since plastic (FAKE) enclosure was used, aging for more than couple of years is not advisable. My impression (despite being disappointed and my high expectations taken): NICE, 89 pts - (no point mentioning whether I would recommend it or not since you can't buy any - at least not at this time, but I foresee that LCBO will re-release it sometime towards the end of the year). I will be returning the remaining 4 bottles as the complexity I expect from a Super Tuscan is simply just not there. Tasted Feb/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Masi Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso 2009, Veneto
Veneto, Italy$15.00
The 2009 Masi Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso, a blend of Corvina and Sangiovese varieties aged in oak, is medium bodied, FRUITY to integrated, with intense aromas of black berries, prune, dark chocolate and some greanage coming from the Corvina grape. Tannins are subtle (decant for 30 min) and the finish is medium to long. This wine will benefit from aging 2013-2018, but if what is desired is fruit, then drink now. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – a nice example of Corvina grape for a good price, hence a recommended buy. Tasted Nov/11.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO @
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.5 Stars
(0)G
Pasquale Pelissero Barbaresco 2007, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$27.95
The 2007 Pelissero Barbaresco is light to medium bodied, integrated wine. It is nicely aromatic, especially upon opening, when it is intensely aromatic. The nose is dominated by cedar and subtle coffee, mint and liquorice; whereas red fruit (currant/cherry) is noted on the palate. It is tannic (decant for 30 to 60 min) and the finish is nicely long and smooth. Surprisingly it is ready to drink now or can be cellared for more than 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - recommended buy, especially at this price. Tasted June/11.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO @
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.5 Stars
(0)V
La Sauvageonne Pica Broca 2008, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc
Languedoc, France$12.90
The 2008 La Sauvageonne Pica Broca, composed of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, aged in oak for unspecified length. It is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of dried dates, dark chocolate, smoke and leather. The structure is a bit disconnected as it is slightly acidic, has chalky, refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and a medium to long finish. It is food friendly or can be sipped by itself; drink now - 2016+. My impression: NICE, 89-90 pts - recommended buy (if you like dates). Priced as a house wine, this wine is more than a nice substitute - ORIGINALLY RELEASED ON JUNE11/11 FOR $18.95, IS NOW ON CLEARANCE SALE FOR $12.90. BUY BUY BUY - I got 18 bottles. Tasted Oct/12.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Calvet Thunevin Cuvée Constance 2007, Vin De Pays Des Côtes Catalanes
Rhône, France$18.95
The 2007 Domaine Calvet Thunevin Cuvée Constance, which is composed of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan, is light to medium bodied, with integrated blueberry, prune and cedar notes. It is quite alcoholic - 15%, with tannins that are refined to tannic (decant for 15 to 30 min) and with medium, yet smooth finish. Aging potential is short - roughly two years. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL TO NICE, 88 pts - in my opinion, not a recommended buy. Tasted Feb/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V