Banpo Lao Zhai 2025For aspiring scholars of Sheng. This Gushu Sheng Puer was harvested from the Long familys tea garden in the middle of the forest on Nannuo mountain, next to their old home at an altitude of 1600 1700m. They have since moved a bit further down the slope, but still own and maintain with great care and minimal intervention their garden in Banpo Lao Zhai. Unlike some of the more aggressive teas the region is known for, this one reveals a softer, more

assuming an oily quality that coats the entire mouth and throat

earthy feel

Much like other teas from this area

or tea stash

with its more woody and tart aroma—is the name of the game here

Because its neutral finish extends to the interior

layered flavor with remarkable depth

Mild and smooth

floral and citrus-like scent and a light

the cultivar coming from a line of Song Zhong trees—ones allegedly dating back to the Song Dynasty—and named by Chairman Mao after the title of a revolutionary song

the piling

with a whiff of fine tobacco smoke