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
Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia$23.95
I got this wine as a delayed birthday present and what a treat that was. This medium bodied Cab is integrated with pronounced aromas of black currant and cedar and subtle notes of strawberry and vanilla. Tannins are dusty and refined to tannic (decant for about an hour) and the finish is smooth and long. It’s good to drink now, but if you wait for couple of years, you will be nicely rewarded. Expected aging potential is up to 2016 to 2018. I must note that it has been a while since I had Australian red with a traditional cork. This wine reminds me of Cipressi Macchiarossa 2005, though a bit younger. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - a recommended buy. Tasted Aug/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia
Australia$27.95
This full bodied Australian Cab is nicely aromatic with integrated notes of black currant, blackberry, Earth, pine, vanilla and oak. The tannins are refined to tannic (decant for 1/2 to 1 hour) and the finish is long and smooth and silky. It should nicely evolve for the next decade or so. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts. Reviewed again May/10.
My earlier review:
Dominated by black currant, black cherry and bilberry, this wine also has notes of pine, oak and vanilla. It is smooth and silky; still young, fruity and somewhat tannic (needs one hour to open), with medium to full body and a long finish. My impression: BEAUTIFUL. 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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro, Spain (500ml)
Spain$16.95
The Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro, a fortified Moscatel, has intense aromas of honey, apricots, floral/linden notes, tea – Earl Gray perfume, citrus – all on the nose, and orange, honey and soapy minerality on the palate. It is a syrupy/thick bodied, sweet/fortified, integrated wine, with somewhat lacking acidity and a medium to long and sticky finish. Sip this one glass at a time; drink now or hold for 5-10 years and watch it evolve. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89/93+ pts – mouth feel of 89 pt wine (could be less syrupy and have higher acidity) whereas the nose is 93+ and unlike anything I have tried before – this wine is nicely priced and a must try – definitely recommended. Tasted May/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Anura Reserve Merlot 2005, Wo Coastal Region
South Africa$19.89
The 2005 Anura Reserve Merlot is a full bodied wine with nice aromas of integrated black currant, blackberry, toasted oak, smoke, coconut and vanilla. It is tannic (decant for longer than half hour), quite alcoholic and the finish is long and smooth, once it decants that is. It is definitely worth aging as it'll be at its best from 2015-2020 and can cellar for more than 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL (when decanted), gets 91 pts after deducting a point for being too alcoholic - a recommended buy even though there aren't that many left. 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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Mas Igneus Barranc Dels Closos 2006, Vinyes De Coster, Doca Priorat
Spain$18.75
This is a powerful wine with a substantial complexity. It has medium body with integrated fruit and elegant aromas of black currant, blackberry, violets, cedar and slight vanilla. Tannins are refined to tannic (decant for 30 min all the way to 2 hours and it will only get better; the wine is a bit metallic in the first 5-10 min) and the finish is bold with a medium to long length. The combination of high alcohol and tannins ensure that aging and evolution will happen for the next 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - highly recommended wine for under $20, could easily cost up to $30 without any eyebrows being raised - BUY, BUY before its all gone. Tasted May/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Stratus Stratus Cabernet Franc 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$38.20
The 2007 Stratus Cabernet Franc is a fine example of this single varietal, originally (over)priced at $38, then reduced to $24.95. The wine is medium bodied, with nice aromas of integrated red fruit (raspberry, red currant), coffee, leather and black pepper. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 to 30 min) and the finish is medium to long. It is good to drink now and will be for the next 5-10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 89.5 pts - and would be a recommended buy if still available. Tasted Sept/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)
Stolpman Estate Syrah 2007, Santa Ynez Valley
California, Usa$32.95
The 2007 Stolpman Estate Syrah has a medium to full body with fruity to INTEGRATED notes of black currant, bilberry, black cherry, coconut and vanilla. It has refined tannins (decant for 1 hour) and a long and smooth finish which is tangy (contribution from the Viognier). This wine should definitely be laid away for several years and can age/evolve for the next 10+ years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - I recommend this wine for those can cellar it. Tasted Dec/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Tandem Auction Block Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast
California, Usa$29.95
This light bodied 2007 Tandem Auction Block Pinot Noir has integrated notes of strawberry, rosehip and oak. Tannins are subtle (15 min in decanter is enough), acidity is refreshing and the finish is medium and a bit sweet. It is good to drink now and should remain lively for the next few years. My impression: NICE, 88 pts - just a day before I had a Pinot from Konzelmann winery 2007 vintage for less than half the price that performed about the same. Tasted Dec/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot 2007, Peumo, Rapel Valley
Chile$19.95
This full bodied, nicely complex, 2007 Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot has nice aromas of fruity to INTEGRATED notes of black cherry, prune, pronounced smoke, cut hay, oak, emerging leather and vanilla. It is tannic (decant for 1 hour or more) and the finish is long, nicely balanced and with some heat. It is best to lay it down for next several years, best 2015 - 2020. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 93 pts - I highly recommend this wine, especially if you can age it as suggested. 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
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Cat Amongst The Pigeons Nine Lives Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Australia$17.95
This medium to full bodied Shiraz has nicely aromatic, fruity aromas of bilberry and prune. It is quite hot (15% alcohol), with subtle to refined tannins(decant for 15 to 30 min) and a medium finish with a though of brettanomyces. It will be best in 2013 to 2017, but since it has a screw cap I would not age it that long. My impression: NICE, 87 pts. Tasted Oct/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
4.0 Stars
(0)V