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
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
Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007
Tuscany, Italy$18.95
The 2007 Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano is a medium to full bodied wine, with nice aromas of integrated strawberry, cherry, oak and coconut. It has a nice, food friendly structure with refined tannins (decant for 15 to 30 min) and a smooth, medium to long finish. Drink now or cellar for 5 to 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts - recommended buy. Tasted Oct/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
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
Lan Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja
Spain$21.95
The 2005 Lan Reserva is a medium bodied, integrated wine with nice aromas of typical Rioja notes: cherry, oak, sandalwood. The acidity is nice, tannins are refined (decant for 30 min) and the finish is long. It is ready to drink now and will be good for another 10+ years with moderate improvement. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts - reasonably priced for well crafted wine. Tasted 1500 ml bottle #249383. Tasted Dec/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
Domaine Puig Parahy Georges 2007, Ac Côtes De Roussillon
Languedoc, France$17.95
This light bodied, fruity wine has aromas of strawberry, black cherry and Earth. It is tannic with dusty tannins (decant for more than 1 hr - the longer you do, the more enjoyable it will be) and has a medium, uneventful and a bit metallic finish. It can be drunk now or can age for 5 or more years. When it comes to evolution, I don't expect it to evolve well as the fruit aromas are already quite light and once the overwhelming tannins (and I am a fan of tannins) mellow out, there will be no fruit left. The wine was not aged in oak to "preserve" the fruit flavours, so I would not expect any floral, spicy or animal notes to come forth. I am not surprised this wine is $14 (cheap for France), but I am surprised that several critics gave it such a high review. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL to NICE. I only gave it 87 pts due to my rounding up rule. 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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Château Puech Haut Prestige Saint Drézéry 2009, Dop Languedoc
Languedoc, France$26.95
The 2009 Château Puech Haut Prestige is a full bodied, FRUITY to integrated wine with intense aromas of bilberry, prune/caramel, cedar, oak and coconut. Tannins are refined (decant for 1 hour) and the finish is long and bit hot at 14.8%. This wine should be aged a bit longer as it will evolve nicely for the next 5 to 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - good value and thus 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/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Burgo Viejo Reserva 2001
Rioja, Spain$18.95
This senior wine is light to medium bodied with strong aromas of aged leather, liquorice, light berries and a combination of cedar, green pepper and oak. Tannins are refined (best to decant for more than 1 hour) and finish is medium. I think there is perhaps up to 2 years of life left in this wine. My impression: NICE, 90 pts (due to complexity), not recommended though as I think the aged aromas are a tad overwhelming, its either that or I may have purchased a bit corked bottle and perhaps I should give this another try. 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
Jean Paul Brun Côte De Brouilly 2009, Ac
Beaujolais, France$18.95
The 2009 Jean Paul Brun Côte De Brouilly is FRUITY to integrated, light bodied wine, with nice aromas of yogurty strawberry, prune and caramel. It has subtle tannins (decant for 15 min) and the finish is medium and a bit hot. It is good to drink now and should be for the next 1-2 years (not to be aged). My impression: NICE, 88 pts - it is quite impressive that the LCBO is able to charge $19 for Beaujolais, no matter how nice. 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.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah 2009, Apalta
Colchagua Valley, Chile$17.95
The 2009 Carmen Gran Reserva (100%) Syrah, which was aged for 10 months in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels, has intense aromas of eucalyptus, stewed prunes, vanilla and oak. It is a full to thick bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; balanced – with checked acidity, chalky mouthfeel, refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a long finish. This one is a sipper: drink now or cellar till 2020+ as it has an evolution potential of +1 or 2 pts. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89-90 pts (+1 or 2) – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted at Wines of Chile 2013 tasting in October/13 - http://grapeselections.com/wines-of-chile-2013/
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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$45.00
This wine is light bodied (typical to Pinot Noirs), with nicely aromatic, integrated fruit, composed of raspberry, violets, oak and chocolate notes. It is slightly acidic, with subtle to refined tannins and a medium to long finish. Even though this wine can be cellared for some time, I am not sure it will evolve as the fruit will only dissipate and the woody notes may become too pronounced (not what I am looking for). Drink now for the next few years. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL. 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
3.5 Stars
(0)V