2008年的老班章熟茶

This is a premium ripe Pu-erh tea made trom leaves sourced trom the prestigious Lao Ban Zhang tea area. Its smooth and mellow flavor, rich and earthy aroma, and long-lasting aftertaste make it a highly desirable tea for both drinking and collecting. The tea's 15+ years of aging have allowed it to develop a mature and well-rounded character, reflecting the unique qualities of Lao Ban Zhang's terroir.

The 2008年的老班章熟茶 is a ripe (shou) Pu-erh tea crafted from tea leaves harvested in the famous Lao Ban Zhang (老班章) village, one of the most prestigious tea-producing areas in Yunnan Province, China. Known for its bold character, Lao Ban Zhang is often referred to as the "King of Pu-erh" due to its robust flavors and rich history.

BACKGROUND

1. Origin: Lao Ban Zhang Village (老班章村)

• Location:
  • Lao Ban Zhang is located in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
  • Situated at an altitude of around 1,700 meters, the area boasts a cool climate, fertile soil, and ancient tea trees that thrive in this pristine environment.
• Ancient Tea Trees:
  • The tea is made from leaves of ancient tea trees (古树茶, gu shu cha), with many trees being hundreds of years old.
  • These trees produce leaves with a unique strong and rich flavor profile that is highly sought after.

2. Year of Production: 2008

• This tea has undergone nearly 15 years of aging, which has significantly enhanced its smoothness and flavor complexity.
• As a ripe Pu-erh, its fermentation process was completed before aging, ensuring a mellow and rich tea experience.

3. Craftsmanship: Ripe (Shou) Pu-erh Fermentation

• Shou Pu-erh Process:
  • The tea underwent the wo dui (渥堆) fermentation process, where the leaves are piled, moistened, and allowed to ferment naturally under controlled conditions.
  • This process produces the signature earthy, sweet, and mellow characteristics of ripe Pu-erh.
• Classic Compression:
  • The tea is pressed into a traditional cake (bing cha) shape, with a weight of 357g, making it convenient for aging and storage.

FLAVOR AND AROMA PROFILE

Aroma:

• Earthy and Woody:
  • Dominant notes of aged wood, forest floor, and dried fruits, with subtle hints of camphor and sweet spices.

Flavor:

• Rich and Mellow:
  • A smooth, deep flavor with layers of dark chocolate, dates, and molasses.
  • Minimal bitterness, with a lingering sweet aftertaste (hui gan 回甘).

Mouthfeel:

• Velvety and full-bodied, offering a comforting and warming sensation.

Aging Potential:

• While already well-matured, this tea can continue to age, further enhancing its depth and smoothness over time.

WHY THIS TEA STANDS OUT

• Prestigious Origin:
  • Lao Ban Zhang is revered as one of the top Pu-erh-producing regions, known for its bold and powerful tea character.
• Ancient Tree Heritage:
  • Made from leaves of ancient tea trees, this tea inherits the richness and complexity of its natural environment.
• Refined Aging:
  • With 15 years of aging, this tea has developed a mature and harmonious flavor profile.
• Traditional Craftsmanship:
  • The meticulous shou fermentation and classic compression techniques ensure a high-quality tea with lasting value.
• Collector’s Appeal:
  • Lao Ban Zhang teas are highly prized, and the 2008 vintage is especially desirable among tea enthusiasts and collectors.