Bottle Levels

High Fill

Usual level for a young wine. Exceptional for wine over 10 years old.

Into Neck

Could be fill level. Perfectly good for wine any age of . Outstanding for a wine over 10 years old.

Top-shoulder

Usual level for wine in excess of 15 years old.

Upper-shoulder

Caused by reduction through easing and evaporation through cork/capsule. Normally not a risk. Acceptable for wine over 20 years old. Exceptional for wine over 50 years old.

Mid-shoulder

Likely weakening of the cork and possible risk. Not unusual for wine in excess of 30 years old. Usually, estimates will account for this.

Lower-mid-shoulder

Risk usually associated. Low estimates, usually no reserve.

Low-shoulder

If the wine or label are exceptionally rare then maybe accepted for sale. Offered without reserve and low estimate.

Below low-shoulder

Not acceptable for sale unless a rare sort of bottle. Wine will usually be undrinkable. Offered without reserve and low estimate.