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
Cygnus Sador Organic Brut Nature Cava, Vegan, Traditional Method, Do Penedès, Spain
Penedès, Spain$20.95
The Cygnus 1+1=3 Organic Brut Nature Reserva, composed of 40% Parellada, 30% Macabeo and 30% Xarello, has intense aromas of green apple, subtle lime and lees. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine, with checked acidity, fine effervescence, and a short, palate cleansing finish. It is a food friendly wine - drink with cheeses; drink now and for the next 2 years. My impression: NICE, 88-89 pts. Tasted in October/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
Le Volte Dell' Ornellaia 2011, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$29.95
The 2011 Le Volte Dell' Ornellaia, composed of 50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged for 12 months in French Oak, has intense aromas of yogurty cherry, dried pomegranate, lees and pine. It is medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with forward acidity, refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a medium finish. This is a food friendly wine; drink now – 2018. My impression: NICE, 89 pts. Tasted at 'Taste Italy 2013' http://grapeselections.com/taste-italy-2013/ 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
Paul Prieur Et Fils Sancerre 2011, Ac
Loire, France$26.95
The 2011 Paul Prieur & Fils Sancerre, composed of 100% Sauvignon Blanc aged for 7 months on lees, has intense aromas of yellow apple, citrus and limestone minerality that is even more so evident on the palate. It is a light to medium-bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with forward acidity and a short to medium finish. Enjoy with food; drink now – 2016+. My impression: quite NICE, 89 pts – recommended for its quality. Tasted at 'Loire Valley Tasting' http://grapeselections.com/Loire-Valley-tasting/ in Oct/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
Gemma Ruja Nebbiolo 2010, Doc Langhe
Piedmont, Italy$15.25
The 2010 Gemma Ruja Nebbiolo (100%) has attractive notes of raspberry, red currant, strawberry and subtle fennel aromas on the nose and raspberry, black cherry and dates on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with good, refreshing acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30-60 min) and a medium to long finish. It is a food friendly and sipping wine; drink now to 2018+ (cork enclosure). My impression: quite NICE, 88 pts – recommended for its quality and value. This wine was reduced from original price of $17.95. Tasted Apr/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
Château Des Charmes Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2011, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$13.95
The 2011 Château Des Charmes Chardonnay Barrel Fermented was first barrel fermented and then aged in French Oak for 9 months. It has intense aromas of citrus, candied fruit – papaya/pineapple, light vanilla and underbrush. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry/dry, fruity to integrated wine, with checked acidity, soft tannin and a medium, woody finish. Drink with most foods, especially seafood in white wine/garlic/onion sauce, or sip on its own; drink now-2016+. Drank remainder after 3 days in the fridge and the wine became more aromatic with Tutti frutti (candied fruit mentioned above) notes showing through. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended for quality and price (can’t go wrong for $13.95). Tasted September/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)G
Château Bréhat 2004, Ac Côtes De Castillon
Bordeaux, France$16.95
"The 2004 Château Bréhat is composed of 65% Merlot and undisclosed amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in French Oak for 12 months. It has intense aromas of vanilla, oak, pine, clove, subtle leather and dark chocolate on the nose, yet the palate is quite dried out with notes of dried cherry and cranberry. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, aged wine; with good acidity, refined tannins (decant for 15 min and watch out for sediment) and a medium to long, smooth finish. Food and sipping friendly; drink now – 2016. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended for its quality and value - not often do we get such treats at such low cost. 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
Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2008
Tuscany, Italy$46.95
The 2008 Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva is composed of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot that was aged in French Oak for 36 months. This wine has appealing aromas of lifted blackberry, wood, pine and subtle yeasty cherry on the nose and sour cherry on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with good acidity, subtle to refined tannins (decant for 15+ min) and a medium to long finish that has balanced fruit/oak intensity. Drink as a sipper; drink now to 2018. My impression: quite NICE, 90 pts – recommended for its quality, though quite expensive. Tasted at 'Taste Italy 2013' http://grapeselections.com/taste-italy-2013/ 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
Rosewood Select Series Merlot 2011, VQA Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$21.95
The 2011 Rosewood Merlot, aged in new and seasoned French Oak for 14 months, has intense aromas of vanilla, cedar, pine and red currant on the nose and cranberry, pomegranate, red currant and vanilla on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry/dry, fruity wine; with forward acidity, refined tannins (NEEDS to decant for 1+ hours) and a medium to long, vanilla dominated finish. It is food friendly; drink 2014/15-2018. My impression: NICE, 88 pts. Tasted Nov/18.
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
Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2011, Trinidad Vineyard, Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley, Chile$19.95
The 2011 Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère , aged in French Oak for 18 months, has intense aromas of toasted oak, blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and light eucalyptus. It is a full-bodied, dry, fruity to integrated wine; balanced with good acidity, forward tannins (decant for 30 min), chalky mouthfeel and a long finish. Drink with food or enjoy on its own; drink now – 2018+. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts – 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
Yering Station Village Pinot Noir 2011, Yarra Valley
Victoria, Australia$25.00
The 2011 Yering Station Village Pinot Noir, grown in Yarra Valley, has appealing notes of rosehip, cranberry, light smoked meat, wood and yeastiness. It is a light bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with good acidity, tight tannins and a medium finish. Drink with food; put away for the tannins to integrate - drink 2016+ to 2020+. My impression: NICE, 90 pts - more than well priced.
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
