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
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rùfina Riserva 2007, Tuscany
Tuscany, Italy$21.95
Wine Spectator gave the 2007 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rùfina Riserva a rating of 93, so I decided to give it a try, especially that LCBO had it on sale for $2 off. It is light to medium bodied with FRUITY to integrated notes of raspberry, cherry, pine and vanilla. Tannins are refined (decant for longer than 1 hour for it to really open up) and the finish is medium to long. I don't believe the wine will benefit from any further aging and should last till 2015 if not longer. My impression: NICE, 89 pts - (not as good as the 2006 vintage). Even though enjoyable, at $22, I would not recommend this wine. Tasted Nov/10.
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/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Burgo Viejo Grand Reserva 2000, Doca Rioja
Spain$21.95
The 2000 Burgo Viejo Grand Reserva, comprised of 100% Tempranillo aged in French oak for 24 months. It is medium bodied, with intense aromas of integrated to AGED red berries (namely red currant), pronounced leather and oak, spices and faint vanilla. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 to 30 min) and the finish is long to extra long. Now is the time to drink it and it should hold for the next 3 to 5 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts - definitely a recommended buy - 10 year old, well crafted wine for under $25?? Can't go wrong with that. Tasted Feb/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/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza
Argentina$14.95
The 2004 Weinert, composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is integrated, medium to full bodied with intense aromas of violets and cedar followed by raspberry, blackberry and faint vanilla. It has dusty tannins that are refined to tannic (decant for 30 to 60 min) and the finish is smooth and medium to long. It still has the potential to evolve for the next 5 to 10 years based on the tannin composition, high alcohol and body, however it is difficult to predict when it will be at its best. My impression: quite NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 91.5 pts (with complexity expected to increase) - recommended buy. Tasted Jan/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/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Vila Regia 2007, Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal$7.95
This wine has cherry and blueberry notes with hints of strawberry, it is fruity with refined tannins, medium body and finish. All in all, I rate this wine somewhere between nothing special to nice. I suggest spending more money on its reserva sibling (2006, better yet 2002 if you can get your hands on it still). My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL to NICE. Tasted Feb/10.
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/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Vila Regia Reserva 2008, Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal$11.95
The 2008 Vila Regia Reserva, composed of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (otherwise known as Tempranillo) and Tinta Barroca, is light to medium bodied, FRUITY to integrated wine, with notes of cherry, faint coffee, coconut and cedar. It has a nice acidity, subtle to refined tannins (decant for 15 to 30 min) and a slightly chalky and short to medium finish. It is ready to drink now and can be cellared for the next 5 years as it will slightly improve with aging. My impression: quite NICE, 88 pts - great day to day wine for price that says just that - again Vila Regia has not failed to satisfy. Tasted Sept/11.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO @
www.GrapeSelections.com
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$31.10
The 2005 Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino is a medium bodied, INTEGRATED to aged wine, with intense aromas of cherry, oak, vanilla transitioning into leather and coconut. Tannins are refined to tannic (decant for 30 to 60 min) and the finish is long and smooth. It is good to drink now or can keep for 5 or so years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91.5 pts - and a recommended buy for excellent price for Brunellos.. Tasted Aug/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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Finca Sobreño Crianza 2007, Do Toro
Spain$17.95
The 2007 Finca Sobreño Crianza, composed of 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo), is medium bodied, with integrated notes of red currant, cherry, blueberry, oak and coconut. It has refined tannins (decant for more than 30 min) and the finish is medium and smooth. It can age for the next 5 years and possibly more. My impression: NICE, 89 pts. Tasted Apr/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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Montebuena 2009, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$15.95
The 2009 Montebuena composed of 100% Tempranillo is medium bodied, with yogurty and (needlessly to say) fruity notes of strawberry and bilberry. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 min) and the finish is medium. This Rioja has a more of a French character than what it should be. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL to NICE, 86 pts - though the price is right. Tasted Apr/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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Arroyo Reserva 2005, Do Ribera Del Duero
Spain$14.95
The 2005 Arroyo Reserva is medium to full bodied, with integrated aromas of cherry, prune, coffee and coconut. Tannins are refined (strain the sediment and decant for 30 min) and the finish is smooth and medium to long. It should age well for the next 5 years. My impression: NICE, 89.5 pts - a bit overpriced. Tasted Apr/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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Weinert Malbec 2005, Mendoza
Argentina$15.95
It hasn't happened yet that I would be able to do a review well before wine's release or before any of the critic reviewers. The 2005 Weinert Malbec is made of 100% Malbec grape from 70 to 110 year old vines and is aged in French oak casks for 36 months. It is medium bodied, with nice aromas of integrated red currant, blackberry, coffee, chocolate, toasted oak, coconut and faint vanilla. Tannins are refined (decant for 30 min) and the finish is long and refreshing. Curiously, red berries are dominating on the palate yet the finish is more reminiscent of blackberry/black cherry. It is good to drink now, but will benefit from further aging for the duration of this decade. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts - I would highly recommend getting this wine, a case to start. Tasted Feb/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
3.0 Stars
(0)V