’04 Fruity Ripes

’07 Merlot, Xinghai

The ’07 Merlot, XH ripe puerh cake possesses a highly aromatic nose of raspberries and leather that transforms to blackberry.  ‘Tis this aroma that becomes the overarching theme for Merlot’s entire identity.  Highly dynamic, Merlot shifts with the seasons sometimes more like wine and other times like Crunch Berries, with the sweetness to boot.  Imparts a powerful qi that warms the belly and spins the head.  Stored in LA since Nov ’20. 357g.  20g sample.

25¢

’04 Golden Sail, CNNP

Acquired in the early part of ’21, the Golden Sail Tuo has transitioned from newspaper dryness to a juicier performer, say from Hepburn to Beyonce.  (Wait!  Am I mixing metaphors?)  The nose is inviting, sweet with camphor around the edges of what is most recognizably cocoa and umami.  Light petrichor.  A sour twang descends into incense-y newspaper, umami, some mystery savory notes, finished with baker’s chocolate bitterness and astringency.  Its bone dry history is quite evident but after two years of moderate humidification it’s vastly more interesting. Ok, maybe not Beyonce but Katie Perry.  Certainly an attention grabber.

The old book taste and aroma is there, accompanied by a pervasively evanescent cherry note.  You taste it amidst the other flavours.  It doesn’t bonk you over the head, though in some sessions it’s more up front.  Post-swallow, sugar seriously coats the mouth and in case you think it’s imagination, a whiff of the aromatic pitcher dispels any doubt. 250g.

24¢

’05 Haiwan Wild Mt

Since its acquisition in Nov ’21, Haiwan Wild Mt has sweetened considerably as of ’23 late summer.  All astringency has vanished.  Tastes of Strawberry Qwik, a milkiness melds with the strawberry and a heavy shou character.  There’s a mysterious nut echo, possibly pecan.  Qi is strongly present, energizing, primarily in the chest and about a quarter inch outside the skin.  If brewed more intensely there’s a chance one will encounter a more frazzled experience. Heavy brewing not necessary.  Gongting material that releases quickly.  250g.

26¢

’05 Lucky 7572

Lucky 7572, Du Qiongzhi emanates a cozy fruity aroma that transfers to the cup.  Nice humid storage imparts light rain minerality with berries and cream.  Nice clarity, some astringency, medium body. Nice sweetness and thermoses well.    Organic Menghai spring material.  LA stored since June 2022.

16¢