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
Rotary Club 1951 Cabernet Merlot 2011, Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$11.75
The 2011 Rotary Club 1951 Cabernet/Merlot, composed of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon as well as Merlot of undisclosed proportions, is a wine crafted by Château Des Charmes and $1 goes to Rotary Club’s foundation http://rotarylakeshore.org/. This wine has attractive aromas of blackberry and prune on the nose and milky strawberry, raspberry and blackberry on the palate. After 30+ minute decanting (a must), it is a medium to full bodied, dry, fruity wine; with refreshing acidity, dusty tannins and a medium and smooth finish. Drink with food or enjoy on its own – great in a party setting; drink 2015+ to 2018/9 (cork enclosure). My impression: NICE, 87-88 pts – recommended for its quality. 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
2.5 Stars
(0)G
Whitehaven Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$24.10
The 2012 White Haven Pinot Noir, sourced from four vineyards in the Awatere, Wairau and Southern Valley sub-regions of Marlborough and then aged in new and old French oak barrels for 11 months, has attractive mineral notes as well as aromas of raspberry and pine on the nose and pomegranate, oak and subtle vanilla on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with crisp acidity, refined tannins and a medium to long, smooth finish. Though food friendly, sip this wine; drink 2014-2019 (screw cap enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted in May/14 at 'Tasted during New Zealand in a glass tasting' http://grapeselections.com/new-zealand-fair-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
2.5 Stars
(0)G
Jim Jim (The Down Underdog) Shiraz 2013, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$16.95
The 2013 JimJim (The Down-Underdog) Shiraz has lifted, green aromas of underbrush, sour cherry and wood on the nose and sour cherry and red currant on the palate. It is a medium to full bodied, dry/off-dry, fruity wine; with crisp acidity, refined tannins and a medium finish. Drink with food, drink now and for the next few years (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NICE, 87-88 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
2.5 Stars
(0)V
Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendocino County
California, Usa$21.95
The 2012 Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon, made up of 97% Sauvignon, 3% Syrah and less than 1% Carmenere and aged in oak for undisclosed time; has desirable aromas of toast, graphite, strawberry and black cherry on the nose and black cherry, plum, dark chocolate and stone like texture on the palate. It is a medium to full bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; BALANCED with good acidity, dusty/grippy tannins and a medium to long finish. This wine is a sipper; very enjoyable now though cellaring for few years will enhance it even further (+1-2 evolution points), drink now to 2025 (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 90-91 (+1-2 Ep) pts – recommended for its quality and value – stock up half to a full case into the cellar. Tasted in Apr/15 at 'Bonterra tasting 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
2.5 Stars
(0)V
Jacob's Creek Shiraz 2013, South Eastern Australia
Australia$13.75
The 2013 Jacob’s Classic Creek Shiraz has vegetal notes of green pepper, stems, plum and dates on the nose and plum and red currant on the palate. It is a medium bodied, perceivably extra dry/dry, fruity wine; with forward acidity, refined tannins and a medium finish. Drink this table wine with food, best now to 2018 (screw cap enclosure). My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL, 86 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
2.5 Stars
(0)G
Toasted Head Chardonnay 2013, California
California, Usa$18.95
The 2013 Toasted Head Chardonnay (that comes in crooked bottle) contains a touch of Viognier and is aged in American, Eastern European and French Oak barrels for 9 months. It has inviting aromas of luscious vanilla, oak, coconut, butter and yellow apple on the nose as well as the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry/dry, integrated wine; BALANCED with surprisingly fresh acidity and an extra-long, wood imparted finish. This is a sipper if one is a big, oaky chard lover and will go well with cheeses; drink now to 2025 (composite cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 89-90 pts – recommended for quality and value, but note that this wine doesn’t have much notable fruit and is quite oak influenced. Tasted in Apr/15 at 'LTO Chardonnay tasting' http://grapeselections.com/lto-chardonnay-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
2.5 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Du Tremblay Cuvée Vin Noble Quincy 2013, Ac
Loire, France$19.95
The 2013 Domaine du Tremblay Vin Noble Quincy, made with Sauvignon Blanc, has mouthwatering aromas of lime, honeydew melon and green apple on both the nose and body, that is supported by mineral feel reminiscent of freshly rained-on pebbles. It is a light bodied, dry, fruity wine; with crisp/refreshing acidity and medium finish. It is a food friendly wine; drink now (plastic cork enclosure). My impression: NICE, 87-88 pts. Tasted in Dec/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
2.5 Stars
(0)V
Antonin Rodet Santenay Clos Rousseau 2005, Ac, 1er Cru
Burgundy, France$26.15
This medium bodied Pinot Noir from the 2005 1er CRU is nicely aromatic, INTEGRATED to aged and with notes of red currant, cherry, blackberry, leather, intense pine and vanilla. It is tannic (decant for 1 hour) with a nice, long finish. It can age another 5 to 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - too bad this wine is no longer sold, I would buy half a case. Tasted in Aug/10 during French wine tasting and the consensus was that it was the best wine tasted.
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
2.5 Stars
(0)V
Jackson Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Meritage 2005, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.95
I like re-reviewing wines that I rated some time ago (especially when they are really good) to see how it evolves or how my perception changed. This integrated, medium bodied 51% Merlot, 35% Cab Sauv & 14% Cab Franc blend has intense aromas of red currant, cherry, leather, pencil lead and violets/pine/oak combination. Tannins are refined to tannic (opens between 30 to 60 min) and the finish is long and silky. My remaining stash shall be aged for another 5 years (if I can pace/restrain myself). My impression: BEAUTIFUL to DIVINE, 93 pts. Would highly recommend if it was still available. Tasted Aug/10.
PREVIOUS REVIEW:
When I first discovered this wine, I thought it was a fantastic local wine for a very good price (JT could have easily charged $10 more) and so I am glad that I managed to get my hands on a case before they were all gone. This light bodied, quite aromatic, fruity to integrated wine has aromas of raspberry, red currant, oak, vanilla and faint coconut. It was mature in 2008/09 and should retain its structure for at least 5 more years. The wine has refined tannins and needs only 30 minutes to open. At certain point, the wine exhibits rustic notes that only last for about 15 minutes before they oxidize away. The finish is long. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts. Tasted Jan/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
2.5 Stars
(0)V
Aliança Bairrada Reserva 2005, Bairrada
Portugal$8.95
AMAZING BUY. This wine, 2006 RESERVA, that can be found in the general Portuguese section (158741) for $8.50 has a light to medium body, is aromatic and smooth and has fragrances of cedar (pronounced) and leather (subtle). The fruit is integrated to aged, tannins are refined (ready to drink at opening) and finish is medium. This wine is ready to drink now and will not benefit from further aging, but should still be good in two years or so, in case you choose to stock up. Impression: NICE. Tasted several times, reviewed Mar/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
2.5 Stars
(0)G