2017 Zhengqitang Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake, 357g, from Yunnan – SHENG JIA YUAN

Zhengqi Tang presents dark, lustrous dry leaves with visible buds and strong, well-formed strands, reflecting a restrained and precise processing style. The dry aroma is subtle; once infused, fragrance rises from the liquor—clean, natural, and distinctly mountainous, lingering through multiple infusions.

The liquor enters the mouth with a gentle sweetness and a dense, well-supported body. Texture is thick yet smooth, showing strength without heaviness. Aroma and liquor are tightly integrated, unfolding in clear layers with a natural progression. As the session develops, tea energy becomes evident, with quick salivation and a steady returning sweetness rising from the throat.

The overall profile is firm and balanced, with a pronounced yang character that remains composed rather than aggressive. The throat feel is deep and lasting, with a clear aftertaste that settles in the mouth and chest. Even in later infusions, the structure holds—never thinning out—demonstrating the framework and tension typical of well-grown Mengku East Mountain teas.

Located in the core area of Mengku’s eastern slope, Zhengqi Tang shares stylistic similarities with the Bingdao lineage, marked by clarity, sweetness, and depth. The ancient tea gardens sit at an average elevation of around 1,900 meters, surrounded by mountains and nourished by mist, steady sunlight, and seasonal rainfall, resulting in leaves with rich and stable inner substance.

Most tea trees are mature Mengku large-leaf varieties, traditionally managed using a vine-style, top-retaining cultivation method. This approach allows the trees to grow naturally and maintain strong vitality. The resulting tea is known for its robust character, enduring energy, and long-lasting resonance—qualities highly valued by experienced Pu-erh drinkers.