Normal level for all wines. In wines over 10 years of age, this level suggests excellent provenance. Rarely used, except to emphasize a particularly good fill level when other fill levels in the same lot are less than perfect.

A common fill level at which many Châteaux release their wine. For wines of any age, this level suggests excellent provenance.

Again, a common fill level at which many Châteaux release their wine. For wines of any age, this level suggests excellent provenance.

Acceptable fill level for wines 8 or more years of age. Suggests proper storage conditions throughout its life. Natural occurrence for wines of this age.

Usually not a problem for wines in excess of 20 years of age. This level may be caused by easing of the cork combined with natural evaporation. Check the clarity and the color of the wine in the bottle as a secondary indicator of provenance.

Refer to High Shoulder and Mid-Shoulder level descriptions.

May suggest ullage during the life of the wine due to either easing of the cork or inconsistent storage conditions. Not abnormal for wines 30 or more years of age. As additional indicators of risk, definitely inspect clarity and color of the wine in the bottle, as well as condition of the cork.

Suggests poor provenance. Definitely a risk and generally not sealable, with exception given to rare bottlings and/or labels. Not recommended for consumption.
Wines are described in the catalogue as accurately as possible. Buyers are urged to make allowances for slight variations in ullages and conditions. No guarantee is made regarding provenance, and no returns will be accepted.

IN – Into Neck
BN – Base Neck
TS – Top Shoulder
VHS – Very High Shoulder
HS – High Shoulder
HTMS – High to Mid Shoulder
MS – Mid Shoulder
LS – Low Shoulder
BLS – Below Low Shoulder
BC – Below Cork

BB – Belgian Bottling
DB – Dutch Bottling
NB – Négociant Bottling

WC – Wooden Case
OCB – Original Cardboard Box
OWC – Original Wooden Case
20CB – Two Original Cardboard Boxes
20WB – Two Original Wooden Cases

Half Bottle – .375 Litres / 375ml
Jenny – .500 Litres / 500ml
Bottle – .750 Litres / 750ml
Magnum – 1.5 Litres
Double Magnum – 3 Litres
Jéroboam (Burgundy, Champagne & Rhône) – 3 Litres
Jéroboam – 4.5 – 5 Litres
Impérial – 6 Litres
Methuselah (Burgundy, Champagne & Rhône) – 6 Litres
Salmanazar – 9 Litres
Balthazar – 12 Litres
Nebuchadnezzar – 15 Litres

L = Lightly | H = Heavily | B = Back | N = Neck

NV – Non Vintage
BSL – Bin Soiled Label
GSL – Glue Stained Label
ISL – Ink Stained Label
WASL – Water Stained Label
WISL – Wine Stained Label
CRL – Crooked Label
FL – Faded Label
LL – Loose Label
NL – Nicked Label
SCL – Scuffed Label
TAL – Tattered Label
TL – Torn Label
TSL – Tissue Stained Label
STL – Stained Label
WL – Writing on Label
WRL – Wrinkled Label
NOL – No Label
STL – Stained Label

CC – Corroded Capsule
CRC – Cracked Capsule
CUC – Cut Capsule
NC – Nicked Capsule
NOC – No Capsule
DC – Depressed Cork
SDC – Slightly Depressed Cork
PC – Protruding Cork
SPC – Slightly Protruding Cork
SOS – Sign Of Seepage
SSOS – Slight Sign Of Seepage

R – Red Wine
W – White wine
P – Rosé wine
S – Sparkling wine
F – Fortified wine
L – Spirits
B – Beer
M – Mixed lot