Dan Trcka
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Followers (47)
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Following (5)
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Reviews (1015)
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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
Bodegas Y Viñedos Alion 2007
Ribera Del Duero, Spain$79.00
The 2007 Bodegas Alion is a light to medium bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of cherry, chocolate and oak on the nose and cherry, nutmeg and faint vanilla on the palate. The structure is nice, with refreshing acidity, refined tannins (decant for 1 hour) and a medium to long finish. It will be better in couple of years and should be good for 10 or more years. My impression: NICE, 91.5 pts - (note; since this was a present, I tasted it blindly and though the wine is complex, I (we) deemed it to be just NICE and didn’t think it measured up to what one would expect reading the other reviews). 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
4.5 Stars
(0)V
Montes Purple Angel 2007
Colchagua Valley, Chile$59.95
The 2007 Montes Purple Angel, composed of 92% Carmenere and 8 % Petit Verdot that was aged in new French Oak barrels for 18 months, is a medium to full bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cedar, oak and green pepper on the nose and blackberry, oak, vanilla and coconut on the palate. It has refined tannins (decant for 30 min +) and a long to extra long finish. Drink with a meal if desired, but this wine is meant to be enjoyed by itself. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92-93 pts. Tasted Sept/12.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.5 Stars
(0)V
Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$29.95
The 2008 Grant Burge The Holy Trinity consists of 44% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 16% Mourvèdre and has been aged in French oak for 12 months. It is a ruby coloured, medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of raspberry, blackberry, violets and cedar on the nose and strawberry and raspberry on the palate. It has a nice acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and a long finish. Tuck away for couple of years and drink from 2014 to 2020. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts and a recommended buy. Tasted May/12.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO @ www.grapeselections.com
or
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.5 Stars
(0)V
Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$49.95
The 2005 Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino is an unfiltered, medium bodied, integrated wine. It has an appealing aromas of leather, smoky bacon, oak and cedar on the nose and raspberry and cherry on the palate. It has a nice structure, grippy tannins (decant for 1+ hours) and a long and smooth finish. Drink now or cellar for another decade. It is excellent with Italian cuisine - cured meats and risotto as well as it performs great as a standalone sipper. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts - recommended buy. Aug/12.
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Walla Walley Valley
Washington, Usa$42.95
The 2007 Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium bodied, fruity to INTEGRATED wine, with nice aromas of black cherry, prune, leather and subtle vanilla and coconut. It is quite acidic, with refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and long finish. Ready to drink now till 2020. My impression: NICE TO BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - would recommend if it wasn't too acidic. Two bottles tasted in Nov/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2007, Mclaren Vale
South Australia, Australia$24.95
The 2007 Pirramimma Petit Verdot is medium to full bodied, FRUITY to integrated wine with nice aromas of raspberry/blackberry, cacao, leather, oak and dominating vanilla on the nose and coconut, blackberry and more vanilla on the palate. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 min) and the finish is long and silky. It is good to drink now or try cellaring for 5 to 10 years standing up (screw cap). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91-92 pts - recommended buy. Tasted Oct/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Grant Burge Corryton Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Barossa
South Australia, Australia$32.95
The 2009 Grant Burge Corryton Park Cabernet Sauvignon spent 16 months in predominantly new French oak barrels. It is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of red currant, black cherry, faint leather and cedar. It has a nice structure with grippy tannins (decant for 30 to 60 min) and a long finish. It is ready to drink now, but will still evolve nicely for the next 10+ years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts - recommended buy. Tasted May/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Sequillo Cellars Red 2009, Wo Swartland
Swartland, South Africa$23.90
The 2009 Sequillo Cellars Red is composed of Syrah, Mouvedre, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault of unspecified proportions and was aged in French oak casks for a total of 24 months before bottling. It is a light bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with intense aromas of dark berries, rosehip, sweet cinnamon and faint liquorice. It lacks balance as it is on the acidic side and is somewhat alcoholic, without being supported by fruit. It has subtle to refined tannins (decant for 1+ hours) and has earthy/mineral finish of medium length. Drink now and for the next 2 years, as this wine was not meant to be aged (light body; composite, short cork). Though food friendly, the nice complexity would be completely masked, so I suggest to drink it as a sipper. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts - though bit costly, give this one a try regardless - for lovers of light bodied wines. Aug/12.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Le Ragnaie Brunello Di Montalcino 2005
Tuscany, Italy$49.95
The 2005 Le Ragnaie Brunello Di Montalcino is medium bodied with intense aromas of integrated cherry, leather, cedar, thyme, vanilla and an unusual note of red peppercorn. It has a nice acidity, tannins that are refined (decant for 30 to 60 min) and a bit sweet, silky and medium to long finish. Drink now or hold till the next decade. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts - bit more expensive than other Brunello's. Tasted Nov/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, 53rd Vintage
South Australia, Australia$27.95
The 2008 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine. It has intense aromas of black currant, oak, coconut, vanilla and smoke on the nose and black currant and vanilla on the palate. It has a sharp acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and a long overoaked finish. Ready to drink now or can be cellared standing up (screw cap) for another 5-10 years. Drink-how: it is quite overpowering for most foods, good as a sipper - especially at parties as it has a mass appeal. My impression: NICE, 90-91 pts - though overoaked, for this level of complexity it's reasonably priced. Tasted Aug/12.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
4.0 Stars
(0)V