Dan Trcka
|
Followers (47)
|
|
|
Following (5)
|
Reviews (1016)
|
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
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2006, Mclaren Vale
South Australia, Australia$24.95
The 2006 Pirramimma Petit Verdot is medium bodied, with fruity to INTEGRATED notes of strawberry, raspberry, violets, oak and coconut. I was looking for that milk chocolate note that Julian Hitner mentions and I could almost perceive it, almost. Tannins are subtle to refined and the finish is long and smooth, especially once it opens up (decant for more than an hour). The acidity is nice and refreshing - this would make a nice RED summer wine. As far as ageability, not sure what to say due to the screw cap enclosure - I guess I will find out. My impression: NICE TO BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - a definite recommendation, not only due to its complexity, but 100% Petit Verdot is a gem. Tasted Apr/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
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$23.25
The 2008 Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon is a full bodied, integrated wine, with nice aromas of blackberry, cedar, leather and vanilla + coconut. Tannins are refined (decant for 30 min) and the finish is medium to long and alcoholic (15.5%). Drink now or cellar for the next 5 years standing up (screw cap). My impression: NICE, 90 pts. 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
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2008, Coonawarra
South Australia, Australia$34.95
The 2008 Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz is a full bodied, nicely aromatic, fruity wine. On the nose, it is dominated by wild strawberries, raspberry and oak, whereas the palate shows some coconut and some more strawberry. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 to 30 min) and the finish is long with some heat. This wine is too young (still overly fruity - reminiscent of a fruit juice), but has a nice complexity and tannic structure and so should evolve quite well with a projected drinking time between 2014 to 2022. My impression: (currently) NOTHING SPECIAL to NICE, 88.5 pts - if this wine was under $20, I would recommend its purchase and 3 to 4 year storage. Tasted Apr/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)
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
Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2010, Barossa
South Australia, Australia$19.95
The 2010 Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz, sourced from 20 year old vines and then aged in French Oak for 12 months; has appealing aromas of lees, blackberry and black cherry on the nose and blackberry, raspberry, coconut, vanilla and oak on the palate. It is a full bodied, extra-dry/dry, fruity wine; with good acidity, refined tannins and a medium finish. Drink with food or sip on its own; drink now – 2018+. My impression: NICE, 88-89 pts. Tasted at Australia Today 2014 Trade show http://grapeselections.com/australian-wine/ in Feb/14.
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)G
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
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
Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2009, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$14.95
The 2009 Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec is a Silver Medal winner at the 2011 Argentina Wine Show. It is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of cherry, almond, green underbrush, honey, oak, coconut and vanilla. It is on the acidic side, has chalky tannins that are refined to tannic (decant for 15-30 min) and a medium, silky finish. This food friendly wine can be drunk now or cellared for 5-10 years, with the potential to improve. My impression: NICE, 90 pts - recommended buy with cellaring potential, especially at this price. Aug/12.
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
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
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