Origin: Yiwu, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
Special Features: This 2003 raw Pu'erh (Sheng Cha) comes from Yiwu, one of Yunnan's six historic mountains, renowned for producing some of the finest teas.
The spring leaves were picked and processed using traditional artisanal methods, adhering to the strict "one bud, two leaves" standard. Harvesting early in the morning after the dew has set preserves all the vitality of the leaves, ensuring a high-quality tea with strong aging potential.
Compressed in a traditional brick, this production is aged naturally in a dry warehouse, developing a unique sweetness and a rare aromatic depth.
Packaging: 250-gram compressed brick
Bouquet: Golden-brown dried leaves with olive highlights. Once moistened, they release notes of ancient wood, subtle honey, and dried fruits (fig, date). The liqueur, a clear amber with golden highlights, releases an elegant nose blending dried flowers, resin, and a subtle minerality.
Texture: Full, velvety, and silky, it coats the palate with an enveloping and fluid roundness.
Taste: From the first sip, the liqueur reveals a refreshing sweetness, similar to sweet spring water. From the third infusion, the slight vegetal bitterness quickly dissipates, giving way to a lingering sweetness (Huigan), reminiscent of the murmur of a mountain stream. The aromas evolve harmoniously: initially woody and fruity, then enriched with notes of honey, plum, and camphor. A beautiful aromatic progression, clean, refined, and long on the palate.
Tone: Bright amber with golden highlights, evolving into a deeper red over the course of the infusions.
Properties:
- Rich in antioxidants;
- Aids digestion and purifies the body;
- Stimulates vital energy;
- Tea with great aging potential: after more than 20 years, it already displays a harmonious maturity, but its aromatic profile will continue to evolve over time.
Recommended preparation:
Dosage: 6 to 8 g for a gaiwan or Yixing teapot
Tea awakening: 1 to 2 quick rinses at 95–100°C (2–3 seconds)
Infusion: Start at 90–95°C, 8 to 10 seconds for the first infusion, then gradually extend for more than ten infusions
This Yiwu 2003 raw Pu'erh tea has developed a complex and profound aromatic profile thanks to careful natural storage.
Like all raw Pu'erh teas, it evolves over time: when young, it offers a lively golden yellow liquor with a marked bitterness; As it ages, it becomes softer, amber-colored, and rounder. Today, it expresses the sweetness, complexity, and depth typical of great aged Yiwu teas, offering a rare experience to lovers of exceptional teas.
