2012 Sampletea "Pu Di" Yiwu

After the recent discussion, pleasantness of which is deep below zero, I'd very much prefer to move to more pleasant topics, such as this tea.

I do not hide that I like Sampletea and Finepuer very much. Receiving a christmas present from Alan, the owner, was another pleasant surprise from these companies. It's the same minicake that Hobbes received recently too: Half-Dipper link.

The cake consists of large, very nice leaves. Although it was stone pressed, it needs some force to take apart - I think that it's better than too light pressings.

And a view from the side... The leaves have fur in abundance. I have read somewhere how the fur contributes to sweet taste. I must pick up the fur sometime and steep only that; shall I get sweet water then?

Yiwu comprises a very pleasant genre of tea. Not always surprisingly awesome, but seldom bad.  This tea is no exception - it is quite lovely. It comes from Man Xiu, from trees of 50 years of age.

The aroma of wet leaves is...Yiwuish. I know, that does not say much. There is the interesting aroma hovering between leatheriness and dark fruit marmelade. I used to feel the fruity component more, but now, the leathery component seems equally strong to me. This particular tea has this "Yiwu" component well developed, sweet, along with light floralness. That one may go away in a couple years I guess.

The taste is in good agreement with the aroma. It is a very solid, strong "generic" Yiwu with several things extra. Especially the floralness which lends good richness to the "basic" Yiwu leatheriness and fruitiness.  I wonder how is this tea going to taste in a couple of years.

The thickness is not too high, given the Yiwu origin, but it is certainly not dissatisfactory. The bitterness seems rather low (it can be brought out via longer steeping, but what's the point), while I got a fairly strong astringency every time I tasted it. The astringency was not an unpleasant one, though.

As my sessions proceeded, the leather-fruit became more leathery and something like sweet mushrooms appeared (also in the aroma of wet leaves). I do not seek out this taste myself, but it was fine here.

Several steepings caused strong vibrations and cooling on the tongue, while these were weaker in the rest. I'd say that this tea does not shine in the cooling/vibrations, when compared to "young&sexy" fancy Yiwus. On the other hand, it stands a lot higher than more basic Yiwus (represented, e.g., by recent Yongpinhaos).

I enjoyed this tea a lot. It is really a kind, pleasant piece, which can hardly offend anyone.
My thanks to Sampletea!