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
Karlo Estates Chardonnay C.H.O.A. 2012, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$25.00
The 2012 Karlo Estates Chardonnay CHOA (Cherry, Hickory, Oak and Ash – wood used in the barrels where it spent 3 months) has pleasing aromas of lemon, gooseberry and oak. It is a medium bodied, dry, integrated wine; with checked acidity and a medium to long finish. It is food friendly and sipping wine, drink now and for the next few years (cork enclosure). My impression: NICE, 87-88 pts. Tasted in Apr/14 at ' 'County in the City' event' http://grapeselections.com/county-in-the-city-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
3.0 Stars
Val D'oca Prosecco Brut Superiore 2013, Valdobbiadene
Veneto, Italy$17.35
The 2013 Val D'oca Prosecco Brut Superiore has attractive notes of melon, lemon, yellow apple and pear. It is a medium bodied, dry, fruity wine; with fine effervescence, good acidity and a cleansing finish of medium length. This refreshing wine should be enjoyed at toasts or can complement cheese platters; drink now to 2018 (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NICE, 88-89 pts – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted in 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
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Fred Loimer Lois Grüner Veltliner 2013
Niederösterreich, Austria$17.95
The 2013 Loimer LOIS Grüner Veltliner Niederösterreich, aged on fine lees for 4 months, has perfumed aromas of green apple, gooseberry and light minerality on the nose and both yellow and green apples, lemon and light lees on the plate. It is a light bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with excellent acidity and a palate cleansing finish of medium length. Enjoy this wine with food or sip by itself; drink now to 2018+. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended for both quality and value. Tasted in Apr/14 at 'Tasted with Andreas Wickhoff, Austria’s third Master of Wine, at the Fine Wine Reserve.' 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)V
Château Des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Chardonnay 2012, VQA St. David's Bench
Ontario, Canada$21.95
The 2012 Château des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Chardonnay, fermented and aged on lees for 12 months in French oak barrels, has subtle yet elegant aromas of limestone minerality, lime and green apple on the nose and more pronounced notes of lemon, green apple, oak, vanilla, coconut and subtle lees on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine; with crisp acidity (not that common in oaked Chards) and a long, clean finish with creamy vanilla and coconut (decant for at least 15 minutes). This is a food friendly (worked with steak) and sipping wine; drink now and for the next 5-10 years (cork enclosure). My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended for both, its quality and value. Tasted in Sep/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
Thelema Chardonnay 2012
Stellenbosch, South Africa$16.00
The 2012 Thelema Chardonnay, sourced from almost 30 year old vines after which it was fermented in 228L French oak barrels for 10 months; has captivating aromas of coffee on the nose and lemon, yellow apple, butter and vanilla on the palate. It is a light bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with refreshing acidity and a long finish. This is a food friendly and sipping wine; drink for the next 3-5 years (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NICE, 89 pts – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted in Jul/14 at 'Barrels & Bonfires (i4C 2014)' http://grapeselections.com/i4c-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
3.0 Stars
Chloe Red No 249 2012, North Coast
California, Usa$17.95
The 2012 Chloe Red No. 249, sourced mainly from California’s North Coast, has succulent aromas of blackberry, black cherry, toast, oak and subtle green pepper on the nose and blackberry, black cherry and prune on the palate. It is a medium bodied, dry, fruity wine; with forward acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30-60 min) and a chalky finish of medium length. Drink this wine with rich foods; drink for 1-2 years, store upright (plastic cork enclosure). Rated 85 pts. Tasted in Nov/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)G
Hardys Stamp Of Australia Shiraz Cabernet 2013, South Eastern Australia
Australia$9.95
The 2013 Hardy’s Stamp Shiraz Cabernet has faint notes of red currant and plum on the nose and plum followed by figs on the palate. It is a medium bodied, dry, fruity wine; with refreshing acidity, refined tannins and a medium finish. Serve with pasta dishes, can take some spicy heat, now to 2017 (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL, 85 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
Castello Di Neive Montebertotto Arneis 2012, Doc
Piedmont, Italy$18.95
The 2012 Castello Di Neive Montebertotto Arneis, aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness of fruit that was sourced from 30+ year old vines of a varietal originating from and still mainly residing in Piedmont; has fullish aromas of pear, quince and gooseberry on both the nose and palate together with notable minerality on the nose. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with refreshing acidity and a medium, smooth finish. It is a food friendly and sipping wine; drink in the next two years standing up as it has a PLASTIC cork enclosure. My impression: NICE, 88 pts – recommended for its quality. Tasted in Oct/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
Castillo De Almansa Reserva 2009
Spain$12.95
The 2009 Castillo De Almansa Reserva is made of undisclosed proportions of Tempranillo, Monastrell and Garnacha that was aged in oak for 12 months. It has raspberry yogurt, toasted oak and vanilla notes. It is an extra-dry, medium bodied, fruity wine; although having a medium to long finish; it is quite unbalanced with tart acidity and noticeable tannins. Aging would help this wine, if it weren’t for the screw cap enclosure lessening its aging potential (first vintage in screw cap). Pair this wine with salty and meaty dishes. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL, 85 pts – usually this wine outperforms others in its price bracket. 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)G
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2011
Tuscany, Italy$21.99
The 2011 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva, composed of 90% Sangiovese with the remainder made up of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in oak barriques for 27 months; has notes of barnyard, sour cherry, blackberry and subtle coffee grinds on the nose and sour cherry, dates and overwhelming barnyard on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with good acidity, refined yes slightly dusty tannins (decant for 1 hour) and a medium finish. Drink this wine with food; it will benefit from cellaring for at least two more years (evolution potential of +1pts) - drink 2017-2020 (long cork enclosure). My impression: currently NOTHING SPECIAL, 86-87 pts (+1 Ep) pts. Tasted in Apr/15.
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)