Banpo Lao Zhai 2025

For aspiring scholars of Sheng.

This Gushu Sheng Pu’er was harvested from the Long family’s 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 delicate expression of Menghai character. The leaves were processed with a gentle touch, preserving their natural complexity. The result is a tea that opens with floral top notes and a ripe, juicy sweetness reminiscent of white peach and nectar. A subtle astringency gives the tea structure, but it never overwhelms — instead, it supports a graceful mouthfeel that lingers gently across the palate.

What stands out is the balance: fresh and aromatic, with a soft minerality and floral lift that makes each infusion feel airy yet full. There’s a quiet power here — a tea that doesn't shout but rewards attention, slowly revealing more with each steep.

Pure, elegant, and easy to drink, this Gushu is ideal for reflective sessions or shared moments where subtlety is appreciated. A standout from Nannuoshan that shows just how nuanced old trees can be.

Written by Mauzi