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
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley
California, Usa$34.75
The 2010 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of undisclosed amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petit Syrah and Teroldego – all sourced from the Napa Valley. It has intense, lifted aromas of cherry, black currant, pine, oak and vanilla. It has a medium to full, integrated body, structure that still needs to come together with refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and somewhat lacking acidity, and a medium to long, silky finish. Enjoy as a sipper; drink now to 2020+. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts – recommended based on quality – on Limited Time Offer for $3 off until April 1st/13. Tasted March/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections/lcbo-deals/
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Maipo Valley, Chile$16.45
The 2010 Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium bodied, fruity wine, with appealing aromas of strawberry and raspberry on the nose and the palate. It has smooth tannins (decant for 30 min) and a medium-strawberry finish. Drink now or hold short term; food friendly. My impression: NICE, 88-89 pts. Tasted Nov/12.
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
Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Martinborough
Martinborough, New Zealand$26.00
The 2012 Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc, from Martinborough, has appealing notes of quince and light leechie. It is medium bodied wine with refreshing acidity and a subdued finish of medium length. My impression: NICE, 87 pts. Tasted in May/13 at 'Tasted at New Zealand Wine Fair' http://grapeselections.com/new-zealand-wine-fair/.
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)A
Exultet Mysterium 2011, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$30.00
The Exultet 2012 Mysterium, made entirely of 100% Pinot Noir that was aged in used French Oak barrels for 5 months, has concentrated aromas of honey-dew melon, ripe pear and very subtle wood influence. It is a full-bodied, off-dry, fruity wine with good acidity and a medium finish. Though food friendly, this wine can be sipped by itself; drink young for the next few years. Rated 89 points and recommended for its quality and uniqueness. Tasted at ‘County in the City’ (see http://grapeselections.com/county-in-the-city/) in Apr/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
Lighthall Progression Sparkling Vidal 2012
Ontario, Canada$20.00
The 2012 Lighthall Progression Sparkling Vidal has captivating notes of light apricots, honey and wet stone minerality. It is a dry, medium bodied, fruity wine with fine effervescence, checked acidity and a medium finish. Pair with creamy cheeses – as a palate cleanser; drink young for the next 2-3 years. Rated 88 pts and tasted at ‘County in the City’ (see http://grapeselections.com/county-in-the-city/) in Apr/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
Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2012
Marlborough, New Zealand$18.95
The 2012 Stoneleigh Pinot Noir, of which 15% was oak aged for 6 months, has intense aromas of ripe dates, light raspberry, smoked meat and band aid. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine, with forward acidity, subtle tannins (decant for 15 min) and a medium to long, oak influenced finish. Enjoy on-its-own or pair with any non-dominant food; drink now - 2016+. My impression: NICE, 89 pts. Tasted in May/13 at 'Tasted at New Zealand Wine Fair' http://grapeselections.com/new-zealand-wine-fair/.
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
Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve White Meritage 2012, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$24.95
The 2012 Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve White Meritage, composed of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, has appealing aromas of faint tropical fruit, gooseberry and linden. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with faint minerality, forward/refreshing acidity and a medium finish. It is a food friendly wine; drink now – 2017+. My impression: NICE, 90 pts – recommended for its quality. Tasted Mar/14 at Cuvée en Route http://grapeselections.com/cuvee-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
Vollenweider Kröver Steffensberg Riesling Spätlese 2007, Prädikatswein
Mosel, Germany$28.95
The 2007 Vollenweider Krover Steffensberg Riesling Spatlese has intense aromas of green and yellow apples + citrus. it is a medium bodied, sweeter, fruity wine, with palate cleansing acidity and a medium, clean finish. Drink with food or sip on its own; drink now - 2017. My impression, BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts - recommended based on quality. Tasted during Riesling & Co. World Tour 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
Flat Rock Riesling 2012, VQA Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$16.95
The 2012 Flat Rock Cellars Riesling has intense aromas of green/yellow apple, light citrus and washed stones minerality. It is a sweet, medium bodied Riesling with crisp acidity and a medium to long finish. Food friendly or a sipper; drink now and for the next 5 years. My impression: NICE, 88 pts. Tasted April/13 at WineAlign Cru tasting.
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 Mysterium 2012, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$30.00
The 2012 Exultet Mysterium, a white wine made entirely of 100% Pinot Noir that was aged in used French Oak barrels for 5 months, has concentrated aromas of honey-dew melon, ripe pear and very subtle wood influence. It is a full-bodied, off-dry, fruity wine with good acidity and a medium finish. Though food friendly, this wine can be sipped by itself; drink young for the next few years. Rated 89 points and recommended for its quality and uniqueness. 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