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AN EVENING OF EXCEPTIONAL WINESHFINBONVTSTSHSMSLMSLSLevels for Bordeaux BottlesHF – High FillThe standard level for young wines or older bottles recorked at the Chateau.IN – Into NeckPerfect level for a wine of any age. Indicates very good storage conditions. Outstanding level for a wine 10 years of age or older.BN – Base of NeckGood level for a wine of any age. For wines 10 years of age or older, indicates perfect storage conditions.VTS – Very Top ShoulderAcceptable level for red Bordeaux wines around 20 years old.HS – High ShoulderAcceptable for wine over 25 years old. Good for wine over 40 years old.MS – Mid ShoulderNot unusual for wines over 40 years old. Could indicate early signs of cork failure.LMS – Low-Mid-ShoulderUsually indicates deterioration of the cork.LS – Low ShoulderMay indicate poor storage condition and possibly an undrinkable wine.Levels for Burgundy BottlesThe shape of Burgundy bottles does not allow for a level rating system based on the shoulder of the bottle; levels are describedin terms of centimeters below the cork.Generally, Burgundy bottles with a fill level of 2.5cm or above are considered normal for wines younger than 10 years of age.Wines more than 15 years old of age with fill levels of between 4cm and 6cm are generally considered to be sound provenance,though consideration should be given to the clarity and colour of the wine in the bottle, as well as the condition of the cork.Burgundy bottles with fill levels lower than 6cm may be at risk of being damaged or undrinkable.< 2cm considered an excellent fill for any age.< 3cm a perfectly normal fill for wines 10 years of age and older. It is an excellent fill level for wines 25 years of age or older< 4cm considered a normal fill for wines more than 20 years of age and excellent for wine more than 35 years of age.On the other hand, it should be the cause for concern in wines 15 years and younger.< 5cm not uncommon in older wines of 30 years and more. At this level, some oxidation is likely to have occurred and theremaining wine may be fragile at best and not enjoyable at worst.< 6cm a poor fill level for any wine and not recommended for purchase unless extremely rare.