Ullage (Level of Wine)
For Bordeaux, Port and other wines in bottles with defined shoulders the ullage/level is shown, if relevant, by its relevant position in the bottle. Our interpretations are as follows:
u. - ullage/ullages (levels)
n. - within neck; the normal level of young wines
bn. - bottom neck; completely acceptable for any age of wine
vts. - very top shoulder; completely acceptable for any age of wine
ts. - top shoulder; usual level for wines over 15 years old
hs. - high shoulder; typical reduction through the cork, usually no problem
ms. - mid shoulder; usually some deterioration of the cork and therefore some variation
ls. - low shoulder; more variable
bs. - bottom shoulder; very variable, usually a rare or interesting wine