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
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2010, VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$39.95
The 2010 Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Merlot, aged for 16 months in French, Russian, Hungarian and American oaks; has attractive aromas of pine, clove, leather and blackberry on the nose while the palate gets immersed with red currant, blackberry and black currant fruits interwoven with nicely integrated oak. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; BALANCED with lively acidity, refined tannins and a long and smooth finish. Enjoy this wine on its own; drink now till 2022+ (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts – recommended for its quality. NOTE, the vintage at LCBO is indeed 2010, not the listed 2011. Tasted in Nov/14 http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections/wine-reviews/.
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
Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$14.25
The 2009 Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Carmenère, aged in French Oak for 10-12 months, has intense aromas of eucalyptus/stems (green qualities that Carmenere is revered for), blackberry, black currant and vanilla. It is a medium to full bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with forward acidity drying tannins (decant for 30-60 min) and a long, smooth and silky finish. This wine will go well with most foods, but enjoy it on its own; cellaring will further enhance it (evolution potential +1 to 2 pts); drink now -2020+. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92+ pts – recommended for both quality and value. It is now on clearance sale, so get them while they are still available. Tasted Jan/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)V
Nautilus Chardonnay 2011, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$26.95
The 2011 Nautilus Chardonnay, barrel fermented and aged for 11 months, has intense aromas of ground coffee, pear and quince. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; it is balanced with crisp acidity, soft tannins and a long, vanilla/oak finish. Sip this wine; drink now – 2020. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts – recommended based on quality and value. Tasted at International Cool Climate Chardonnay – i4C event July/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Mission Hill Perpetua Osoyoos Vineyard Estate 2010, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$34.99
The 2010 Mission Hill Perpetua Osoyoos Vineyard Estate, barrel fermented and aged in French Oak for 8 months, has appealing aromas of subtle pear and light oak. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine, with forward acidity and a medium finish. Drink with food or enjoy on its own, drink now – 2018. My impression: NICE to BEAUFIFUL, 91 pts. Tasted September/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/mission-hill-winery-of-the-year/
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.5 Stars
Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.95
The 2011 Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay, subtly mineral, has appealing aromas of yellow apple, lemon, butter and vanilla. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with crisp acidity and a long finish. This is a food friendly and sipping wine; drink past 2020 (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts – recommended its quality. Tasted in Jul/14 at 'Barrels & Bonfires (i4C 2014)' http://grapeselections.com/i4c-2014/.
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
Lighthall Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$25.00
The 2010 Lighthall Reserve Chardonnay that spent 8 months in French Oak barrels, has intense buttery-pear and light oak notes. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine with refreshing acidity and a long, oaky and light vanilla finish. Pair this wine with salty/acidic foods of your choice or enjoy on its own; drink now-2018+. Rated at 90-91 pts, this wine is highly recommended due to its quality and value. Tasted at 'County in the City' event http://grapeselections.com/county-in-the-city/ in April/13 and again at GFWE in Nov/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Snoqualmie Whistle Stop Red Cabernet/Merlot 2009, Columbia Valley
Washington, Usa$16.95
The 2009 Snoqualmie Whistle Stop Red Cabernet/Merlot - 70% /30% proportions, has intense aromas of yeasty black cherry, lees, oak, charcoal, coconut, vanilla and subtle spice. It is a full bodied, dry, fruity wine; with good acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and a long, oaky and coconuty finish. This big wine is food friendly, party favorite; though drinks well now, further aging will enhance it further - +1or 2 evolution potential; drink 2016-2024. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89-90 +2 pts – recommended for its value. Tasted 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)V
Emiliana Novas Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley
Chile$15.95
The 2011 Emiliana Novas Petit Verdot, an organic wine, has intense aromas of yogurty black cherry, vanilla and notable wood. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; disconnected with good acidity, grippy/tight tannins (decant for 1+ hours) and a medium to long, smooth, overoaked finish. It is a food friendly, savory wine; it will benefit from cellaring for couple of years; drink 2016-2020. My impression: NICE, 88 pts. Tasted Jan/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)V
Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$28.95
The 2011 Hidden Bench Chardonnay has intense aromas of lime, pineapple, green apple, light lees and subtle oak. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with good acidity, some tannins and a medium to long, wood restrained finish. It is food friendly or can be enjoyed on its own; drink now – 2018. My impression: NICE, 89 pts – recommended for its quality. Tasted Nov/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$44.95
The 2011 Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay has appealing aromas of quince, light citrus and light honey. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine, with good acidity and a medium to long finish. It is food friendly; drink now -2016. My impression: NICE, 88 pts. Tasted at International Cool Climate Chardonnay – i4C event July/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
3.5 Stars
(0)V