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
Beronia Reserva 2007, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$19.95
The 2007 Beronia Reserva, composed of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo and aged in French and American oak for 18 months, is a medium to full bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of cherry, black currant, leather, cedar and abundant coconut and vanilla. It has refined tannins (decant for 15 to 30 min), nice acidity and a long finish. This wine is meant to be enjoyed by itself, but is also food friendly – especially with red meats; it is ready to drink now and as it has a cellaring potential of +1-2 pts, it can be cellared for another 5-8 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts - This traditional Rioja is on my recommendations list – buy by the case as similar wines sell for $5-10 more. Tasted Sept & Nov/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
Langtry Guenoc Petite Sirah 2011, Lake County
California, Usa$17.95
The 2011 Langtry Guenoc Petite Sirah has concentrated notes of sweet raspberry, dates and prune. It is medium to full bodied, fruity, slightly off-balance with forward acidity and grippy tannins (decant for 30 min), and a finish of medium length. It is food friendly; drink now – 2016. My impression: NICE, 88-89 pts . Tasted March/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
Exultet Estates Cru X Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$29.95
The 2010 Exultet Estates Cru X Pinot Noir that was aged in French Oak for 12 months, has has lifted, captivating aromas of rosehip, red currant, smoke, subtle cedar and vanilla. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine; with forward acidity, refined tannins and a long finish. Enjoy this wine by itself; drink now to 2020. Scoring 91 pts, this wine is recommended due to its quality to price ratio. Tasted at 'County in the City' event http://grapeselections.com/county-in-the-city/ in April/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
Cuatro Rayas Viñedos Centenarios Verdejo 2011, Do Rueda
Rueda, Spain$15.25
The 2011 Cuatro Rayas Viñedos Centenarios Verdejo has appealing green apple and flowery aromas. It is medium bodied, fruity, dry, has good acidity and a clean finish. It is food friendly, yet it can be sipped by itself; drink now and for the next few years, to 2015. My impression: NICE, 89 pts. Tasted Jan/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
13th Street Sandstone Reserve Chardonnay 2011, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$29.95
The 2011 13th Street Sandstone Reserve Chardonnay, sourced from nearly 30 year old wines, which afterwards was partially aged in new/used French Oak barrels for 8-9 months; has seductive aromas of creamy butter and vanilla on the nose and pear, gooseberry, butter and vanilla on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; BALANCED with refreshing acidity and a long, mineral finish. Enjoy this wine on its own; drink for the next 3-5+ years (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91-92 pts – recommended for 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
Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2010, Strathbogie Ranges
Victoria, Australia$35.95
The 2010 Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz, sourced from Strathbognie Ranges in Victoria, has intense nose of raspberry, blackberry, fennel seed and almond. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; balanced with forward, crisp acidity, refined tannins and a long finish. It is food friendly and will please as a sipper; drink now to 2018+. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts – recommended for its quality. 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)V
Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2010
Languedoc, France$20.25
The 2010 Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon Villages, composed of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre of undisclosed proportions and aged in French Oak for 24 months, is a medium bodied, fruity wine, with intense aromas of raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and sweet woody notes. The nose doesn't deliver on the palate, the wine is closed (even upon 2 hour decanting), though tannins are refined and the acidity is balanced, the fruit is rather devoid, perhaps longer decanting will unlock it (2+ hours). The finish is medium to long and smooth, yet mainly tannin/acidity based. This wine has a lot of potential, the fruit is there but not yet accessible. Drink 2015-2025, it has an evolution potential of +2 pts, maybe more. Currently rated at 89-90 pts, with the potential to reach 92 pts or beyond. Tasted Jan/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Ricossa Antica Casa Moscato D'asti 2011, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$15.95
The 2011 Ricossa Antica Casa Moscato D'asti has intense aromas of apricots, tangerine, honey as well as some floral notes that linger on the finish of good length. It is fruity, has medium body, fine bubbles and good acidity that offsets its sweetness. A definite sipper, but excellent with food - especially spicy Asian foods (low alcohol 5.5% and the acidity and effervescence clean the palate); drink now to 2016. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts - recommended buy. Tasted Feb/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
Bonterra Pinot Noir 2010, Mendocino County
California, Usa$19.95
The 2010 Bonterra Pinot Noir has attractive aromas of black cherry and toasted oak on the nose, and red currant and dates on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, on the acidic side, fruity wine; with refined tannins (decant for 15-30 min) and a medium finish. It is food friendly; drink now to 2017. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended based on both, value and quality. Tasted March/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
Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2010, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$21.95
The 2010 Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni has intense aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, cherry and blackberry on the nose and earth, cherry, oak, coconut and vanilla on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine, with good acidity, chewy, refined tannins (decant for 1 hour) and a long, wood dominated finish. This is a sipper, though can be drunk with dominant foods; drink 2015-2019. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts - good value wine and hence recommended. Tasted May/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