A really strong tea from an area in Lai Châu we started working with just this spring.
 
This area really is an ancient tea tree paradise as you are greeted by some exceptionally big and tall ones upon entering the village.  The tea trees here grow tall and quite naturally without much human intervention. The leaves here have big round leaves and thick stems. The people living here are H'Mông.
 
Big burly leaves and buds brew up into a rich green gold soup. This tea takes it's time to reach it's peak. Give it 2-3 brews and see how powerful it can get. 
 
This tea is intense but balanced with vegetal, herbal and fruity notes and a wild forest character. Not overly fragrant as the fragrance mostly shows up in the soup itself. Medium bitterness and astrigency followed by heavy sweetness. Great longevity, huigan and strong energy. 
 
Great longevity, set aside an hour if possible to fully enjoy this one.
 
A funny story, there was a Chinese tea businessman in the area when we were there in mid April. He said he just needs good ancient tree tea with a certain character from wherever to sell back in Yunnan as Chinese tea (this is quite common practice by the Chinese sourcing tea from Vietnam). This tea has a nice general Menghai profile which works well for his dodgy agenda.
 
Season: April 2025
Picking Standard: 1 bud, 2-3 leaves
Region: Xin Chải/ Tả Lèng, Phong Thổ, Lai Châu
Elevation: 1200-1400m