Papo Shan Sheng Pu'er Cake Vintage 2007

Origin: Papo Shan, Lincang Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Cultivar: Mengku Da Ye Broad Leaf & Da Ye Broad Leaf
Elevation: 1400m
Harvest Date: 2007

There are two types of Pu'er tea: Sheng (raw, green) and Shu (ripe, dark). Both originate from a rustic sun-dried green tea called Shaiqing. Sheng Pu'er has an ancient history and has deeply impacted the cultures of China, Mongolia and Tibet. This offering from Papo Village in the Wa Shan region of Yunnan is created from mature trees that are several hundred years old, some nearly 400 years old.

Papo Shan opens with an intriguing and subtle mineral salt umami in the first infusion which totally captivates the palate. The next several infusions reveal a vibrant mouthfeel brimming with intense and immediate Hui Gan "returning sweetness" effect. Aromas of lotus root, milkweed pollen and fresh cut cedar lend an invigorating youthful freshness that betrays this tea's moderate vintage aging. Papo Shan delights with its surprising patience. This tea is so expressive and aromatic from the very beginning, and has such refined and mellow tannins throughout, that one expects the tea to run out of steam after six or seven infusions. Rather, it continues to deliver uplifting energy and a smooth, well-rounded body for a dozen or so infusions.