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
Valdivieso Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley, Chile$14.75
The 2009 Valdivieso Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a single varietal aged in French Oak for 12 months, has intense aromas of cranberry, dates, vanilla and cedar. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine, with forward acidity, refined tannins and a long finish. Drink with food; drink now – 2017. My impression: NICE, 89 pts – recommended for its value as it is reduced from $19.95. Tasted August/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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Beronia Reserva 2008, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$19.95
The 2008 Beronia Reserva has intense aromas of cherry, dark chocolate, toasted oak, coconut and vanilla. It has light to medium body, integrated, has refined tannins (decant for 15-30 min) and the finish is long. It is overpowered by toasted vanilla/oak without the support of the fruit – hence a sipper, or can be drunk with dominating foods; drink now – 2016. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended buy for lovers of oak. 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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 1999, Prädikatswein
Mosel, Germany$31.95
The 1999 Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese has intense notes of yellow apple and lifted notes of estery petrol; also light, buttery champione notes emerge on the finish of excellent length. It has a medium, integrated body and a good balance between residual sugar (medium sweetness), acidity and fruit. Enjoy on its own for the next 3-5 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts - 14 year old Riesling for $20 translates into BUY BUY BUY before it’s sold out! 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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
19 Crimes Shiraz Durif 2012
Victoria, Australia$18.95
The 2012 - 19 Crimes Shiraz Durif has appealing aromas of sour cherry and red currant on the nose and the palate, followed by black cherry. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with good, forward acidity, refined tannins and a medium finish. This is a food friendly wine, drink now and for the next few years (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NICE, 88 pts. Tasted in Feb/15 at 'Shiraz Week at iYellow Wine Cave' http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections/wine-reviews/.
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
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County
California, Usa$18.95
The 2010 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the Sonoma County, has intense aromas of blackberry, black currant, toasted oak, coconut and vanilla. It is medium bodied, integrated, has good acidity and refined tannins (decant for 15 min), and a long silky finish. It is food friendly; drink now to 2018. My impression: NICE, 89 pts – recommended based on quality/value ratio. 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
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Château Agnel Cuvée Philippe Minervois 2009, Ac
Languedoc, France$12.75
The 2009 Château Agnel Cuvée Philippe Minervois, composed of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan of undisclosed proportions and aged in French Oak barrels, has intense aromas of blackberry and wood with subtle dark chocolate, raspberry and yeasty notes. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine; with good, refreshing acidity, dusty/grippy tannins (decant for 1-2 hours) and a medium to long finish. Enjoy by itself or with food; drinks well now, but would benefit from further aging – drink 2015-2020. My impression: NICE, 89 pts – recommended for its quality and value – especially that it is now on Bin-end Clearance. Tasted 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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Tour Boisée à Marie Claude Minervois 2007, Ac
Languedoc, France$17.75
The 2007 Château Tour Boisée À Marie Claude Minervois, composed of equal amounts of Grenache, Carignan noir and Syrah, has deep aromas of black cherry, raspberry, smoke and cedar on the nose and pomegranate, black cherry, and subtle coconut and vanilla on the palate. It is a medium to full bodied, integrated wine with good, forward acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and a medium to long, smooth finish. It is food friendly or can be sipped by itself; drink now to 2018/20. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts – recommended buy for its quality and price. 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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Favray Pouilly Fumé 2011
Loire, France$21.95
The 2011 Château Favray Pouilly Fume, composed of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, has intense aromas of pear, vanilla and oak. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine, with good acidity and a medium to long, oaky finish. Enjoy this wine on its own; drink now-2018+. My impression: NICE, 88 pts. 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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Buena Vista Pinot Noir 2011, Carneros
California, Usa$24.95
The 2011 Buena Vista Pinot Noir, harvested from Carneros and aged in French and Hungarian Oaks for 12 months, has seductive aromas of smoke, barnyard, black cherry and figs on the nose and cranberry and pomegranate on the palate. It is a medium bodied, dry, fruity wine; with forwards acidity, subtle tannins and a medium finish. This is fruit forward wine is food friendly; drink now and for the next 3-5 years. My impression: NICE, 88-89 pts. Tasted in Oct/14 at 'Tasted at Discover Sonoma County event ' http://grapeselections.com/sonoma-wines-2014/.
tasted once before
2011 Buena Vista Pinot Noir has tempting aromas of raspberry, cranberry, pomegranate and vanilla on the nose and smoke and toasted oak on the finish. It has a medium, fruity body, is balanced with good acidity and refined tannins, and has a long finish. It is food friendly; drink now – 2018. My impression: NICE, 89 pts – recommended buy. Tasted 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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2011, Livermore Valley, California
California, Usa$17.95
The 2011 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay, of which 50% was aged in French, American, and Eastern European oak for 7 months, was imparted with intense and captivating aromas of sweet vanilla, creamy butter, pear, gooseberry and subtle oak. It is an off-dry, medium bodied, fruity to integrated wine, with good acidity, subtle tannins and a long and smooth finish. Due to its intense fruit and good acidity, this wine is food friendly, yet can be enjoyed by itself; drink while young before the fruit integrates or age for the next 10+ years (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 pts – recommended for its quality and excellent value. STOCK UP!! Tasted at Churchill Cellars Portfolio tasting May/13.
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections and
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
3.0 Stars
(0)G