On May 11, 9:44 am, (Dick Adams) wrote:
I was asked to explain how to distinguish
between a phenolic and an ester. I thought

I think when people take a sip of wine or mead and say "phenolic,"
they usually have noticed bitterness or astringency in the taste.
Tannins are a type of phenolic compound and can come from grape skin,
seeds, and oak.

Fruity smells are associated with esters, which can be be present in
the original must or be created during fermentation.

I can't help much if you're interested in the details of the
chemistry, though.

Erroll
http://www.washingtonwinemaker.com/blog/