Limited-Edition Wu Mountain Tea 2019 Organic Lincang Raw Puer (200g Cake)

 

Origin and Growing Conditions

Lincang, situated in the southwestern part of Yunnan province, holds a rich tea heritage, particularly in the production of Puer tea. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Puer tea was initially used as a form of currency. Over the centuries, it evolved into a palace tribute during the Tang Dynasty and later became a popular beverage among the general population during the Song Dynasty. Lincang, being one of the birthplaces of Puer tea, has contributed significantly to the tea's historical and cultural importance.

Geographical Features:

Lincang boasts an ideal environment for tea cultivation. Nestled within the Hengduan Mountain Range, the region experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with abundant rainfall and optimal sunlight. The diverse topography, ranging from the high peaks of the Nu Mountains to the low valleys of the Qing Shui River, contributes to the unique flavor profile of Lincang raw Puer tea.

With over 800,000 acres of wild ancient tea trees, Lincang's tea plantations are concentrated in areas such as Cangyuan, Shuangjiang, Fengqing, and Yun counties. Wu Mountain Tea’s 2019 Lincang Raw Puer is from a 1000 hectare organic-certified tea garden in Cangyuan county, Lincang, altitude 1760 – 1820m.

 

Processing

Harvesting: The organically-grown tea leaves are selectively plucked in spring and autumn, focusing on tender leaves of the seed-grown large-leaf assamica tea trees native to the Cangyuan region.

Kill-Green Process: After harvesting, the leaves undergo a brief high-temperature treatment to deactivate enzymes and halt oxidation. This is carried out in large woks by hand. Kill-green is carried out at slightly lower temperatures than Green Tea kill-green in order to allow a small degree of flavor transformation to occur with aging over time.

Rolling: The leaves are gently rolled to distribute internal juices evenly.

Sun Drying: Due to the regions dry and sunny conditions, Lincang Raw Puer is dried by sunlight rather than an oven. This provides the tea with a light and natural sun-kissed quality.

Sorting and Storage: After drying, the leaves are carefully sorted to remove older leaf material, and the tea is then stored in dry warehouses. Through years of storage, the bitter/astringent and abrasive taste attributes mellow out, enhancing overall tea quality.

For more details about Raw Puer Tea processing see Chapter 3 of the Masterclass on Tea.

 

Tasting Notes

Dry Leaf Appearance: The compressed tea cakes exhibit moderate tightness, fullness, slender strips, and delicate hairs, portraying a fresh and vibrant appearance. Previously white tea buds have taken on an amber tinge with age.

Aroma: The fragrance is a delicate, clear, and refreshing blend with a prominent tippy aroma. Sweet fruit notes are apparent, including Florida citrus, apricot, and a touch of durian.

Taste: The taste profile is balanced by smooth richness, sweetness, and a touch of tartness, with medium minerality.

Liquor Appearance: The tea liquor is clear, vibrant, and tawny, inviting and reflecting the high quality mildly aged organic leaf material.

For a refresher on tea quality assessment, see Chapter 4 of the Masterclass on Tea

 

Preparation

Brewing Recommendations: the following are general recommendations for Raw Puer Tea infusion according to a simplified Gongfu Tea infusion style.

Teaware: Opt for white porcelain gaiwan, clay teapot (yixing), or glassware for aesthetic and practical purposes.

Leaf Quantity: Use approximately 7-8 grams of tea leaves for a 150ml gaiwan, adjusting according to personal taste preferences.

Water: Preferably use natural mineral water for optimal flavor extraction.

Water Temperature: Heat water initially to 95 degrees Celsius, then maintain it around 90 degrees.

Steeping Time: Start with a quick rinse to awaken the leaves, then steep for 10 infusions, each lasting 0-20 seconds. Enjoy the unique flavor profiles of each infusion, particularly infusions #3 and #4, typically viewed as the most flavorful.

See this video for a brief tutorial on Gongfu Tea Preparation

Or, for a refresher on general principles of tea infusion, see Chapter 5 of the Masterclass on Tea

 

Suggested Food Pairings

Lincang Raw Puer's nuanced flavor profile, with its balanced bitterness and pronounced sweetness, pairs well with various foods. Consider the following suggestions:

Light Pastries: Match the tea's subtle sweetness with delicate pastries like shortbread or almond cookies.

Mild Cheeses: The tea's depth complements the creaminess of mild cheeses such as brie or gouda.

Fresh Fruits: Enhance the experience with fruits like ripe peaches or pears, emphasizing the tea's natural sweetness and subtle notes of stone fruit.