I’ve not done a review in a while thanks to illness but I had to make one for this two weeks old tea I just received as a gift. First of all, beautiful green-yellowish leaves indicative of very early pickings for Longjing (a month before Qingming festival). Seems like warmer weather could have started the harvest earlier. The leaves are plump when wet and verdant green albeit just slightly broken. Aroma is a 10/10, and the smell coming out of a newly opened pouch should be classified as the next world wonder. Yuzu and light citrus yet greenish notes, packed with multitudes of aromas yet rich and clear. The dry leaf is nutty and rich while the wet leaf is overtly green and vegetal. Liquor is a vibrant lime-green, clear yet packed with trichomes.
Taste is extraordinary for the first few steeps, great balance of citrus fruits and vegetal notes, with light lime and nuttiness portrayed as well. Well-balanced and rich. Complexity is wonderful albeit could be a bit better down the steeps. Texture is smooth and oily with a milky sensation that runs through the mouth, finish & aftertaste is one of the best I’ve had with green teas, potent yet well-balanced, smooth and creamy yet strong while still remaining subtle. Cha-qi is small but only slightly noticeable and the steep longevity is better than average, potentially reaching up to steep 8.
A really good tea worthy of a 80+ for me, however it does have its shortcomings in its complexity outside the taste, which denotes why maybe extremely early pickings, although very prized and expensive, may not be the cream of the crop when it comes to the experience in the cup. Still, an experience worth trying for the uninitiated.
Flavors: Citrus, Creamy, Elderflower, Floral, Flowers, Fruity, Grassy, Juicy, Lime, Milky, Nutty, Peas, Smooth, Vegetal, Yuzu
The first review for a 2023 picking I have seen! That’s exciting! Hope you are all better, and it is good to see you back.