Liming 2019 "Black Gold - Wu Jin Hao" (Banzhang 5-Villages Old Arbor) Raw Puerh

Banzhang-region blend of naturally growing old arbor trees, with material from the 5 big villages (Old/New Banzhang, Ban Pen, Lao Man E and Hekai). This is a high-end Liming Tea Factory blend, which shows what this house can achieve with old arbor materials while retaining their classic recipe approach.

If their mid-2000s plantation-based productions are already considered excellent, the results here are truly outstanding and bode very well for long-term aging. We are typically skeptical of all "gushu" claims from the factories, but the old arbor quality is very obvious, zero bite or astringency in the middle of the palate, very lubricating down the throat.

TASTE PROFILE

As with all of Liming's signature Bulang blends, this has significant punch and complexity, but with a major increase in viscosity, lasting huigan and active "hou yun" (throat feel). Deep rich bittersweetness is present, but it is smooth coupled with plenty of umami, and a powerful Qi.

There is substance here for extended aging; in fact this tea has been processed with that in mind and is not yet near its peak (unlike many of the new greener-tasting, unusually floral productions).

[Retail price on this in Mainland China is $184; at our pricing we are giving a substantial savings, while current stock lasts.]