MATAI GU SHU SHENG CHA
MATAI ANCIENT TREES
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Matai, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2021 Matai Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from old tea trees growing in the Matai area of Yunnan province, a region respected for its powerful mountain material and expressive character. Hand-harvested and traditionally processed, this tea reflects the combination of mature tree material, high-mountain terroir, and masters technique. The infusion is deep and structured, offering pronounced minerality, layered bitterness, returning sweetness, woody and herbal nuances, and a long, cooling aftertaste. MORE
200 g / 357 g cake
AROMA
Floral, honey, fruity
TASTE
Herbal, floral
350 years old trees
ALTITUDE: 1650 m
HARVEST: 2021
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Matai, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2021 Matai Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from old tea trees growing in the Matai area of Yunnan province, a region respected for its powerful mountain material and expressive character. Hand-harvested and traditionally processed, this tea reflects the combination of mature tree material, high-mountain terroir, and masters technique. The infusion is deep and structured, offering pronounced minerality, layered bitterness, returning sweetness, woody and herbal nuances, and a long, cooling aftertaste. MORE
200 g / 357 g cake
AROMA
Floral, honey, fruity
TASTE
Herbal, floral
350 years old trees
ALTITUDE: 1650 m
HARVEST: 2021
SHENG PU'ER is a traditional post-processed tea made from sun-dried tea leaves that continue to evolve naturally through slow fermentation and aging over time. Thanks to minimal processing and its living microbial ecosystem, this type of tea retains a rich concentration of polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, aromatic compounds, and other bioactive substances that gradually transform as the tea matures.
Unlike most tea categories, Sheng Pu'Er continues to develop for decades after production, with aging enhancing its complexity, smoothness, and depth while reducing bitterness and astringency. It is believed that regular consumption of Sheng Pu'Er may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and promote healthy digestion. Traditionally, Sheng Pu'Er has also been appreciated for its invigorating Cha Qi, its ability to enhance mental clarity and concentration, support physical vitality, and create a balanced state of energy, calmness, and overall well-being.
Unlike most tea categories, Sheng Pu'Er continues to develop for decades after production, with aging enhancing its complexity, smoothness, and depth while reducing bitterness and astringency. It is believed that regular consumption of Sheng Pu'Er may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and promote healthy digestion. Traditionally, Sheng Pu'Er has also been appreciated for its invigorating Cha Qi, its ability to enhance mental clarity and concentration, support physical vitality, and create a balanced state of energy, calmness, and overall well-being.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
WILD TEA
Wild tea refers to plants that grow naturally in the forest or mountains without human planting, pruning, or care. These trees are very old, deeply rooted in the earth, and part of a diverse natural ecosystem. These are tall, old trees, some more than 100, 300, or even 1000+ years old, rooted deep into mineral-rich soil, thriving in diverse ecosystems. Wild tea trees grow tall and strong, with roots reaching deep into the earth. This allows them to absorb various minerals, creating complex, full-bodied flavors that change with each harvest. Growing in remote forests, these trees are untouched by pesticides or fertilizers. Many tea lovers say wild teas carry a unique energy, a grounding, calming, and sometimes uplifting presence. This is believed to be the "Qi" of the mountains, the life force of ancient trees, passed into the leaves. Wild tea is often high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals. Because these trees grow slowly and absorb nutrients naturally, their leaves produce clean, nourishing brews that are gentle on the body but rich in effect.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
2021 Matai Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from tea material harvested in 2021 from tea trees over 350 years old, growing at an altitude of approximately 1650 meters in the Matai area, Lincang, Yunnan, China. High elevation, mature tree material, and traditional production techniques create a tea with pronounced structure, aromatic complexity, and strong aging potential. The production follows a classic processing approach that preserves the integrity and energetic character of the leaf material through careful hand-harvesting, pan-firing, sun-drying, and traditional stone pressing.
Tea trees of this age develop extensive root systems capable of penetrating deeply into mineral-rich mountain soils, contributing to the concentration, density, and layered complexity associated with high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er. Slower leaf development at high altitude additionally supports the accumulation of aromatic compounds and balanced polyphenol structure, giving the tea both strength and clarity while maintaining controlled bitterness and returning sweetness. This combination of mature trees and mountain ecology is especially appreciated among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers seeking teas with depth, structure, and long-term transformation potential.
As a relatively young Sheng Pu'Er, the 2021 harvest still preserves much of its original mountain energy, freshness, and structural intensity. At the same time, the first stages of natural maturation have already begun integrating sharper vegetal elements into a more rounded and balanced profile. Properly stored Sheng Pu'Er from old tree material at this elevation is valued for its ability to gradually develop greater softness, aromatic complexity, and internal harmony while maintaining clarity and strength over many years.
TERROIR
The Matai area of Lincang, Yunnan, is situated in a high-mountain environment at elevations around 1650 meters above sea level, where cooler temperatures, frequent mist, and strong day-to-night temperature variation create ideal conditions for the development of complex Sheng Pu'Er material. Slower vegetation cycles under these conditions allow the leaves to accumulate higher concentrations of aromatic compounds, amino acids, and balanced polyphenols, contributing to the tea’s structure, depth, and persistent returning sweetness. This climatic balance supports the development of teas with both pronounced strength and refined clarity.
The mountain soils of the region are rich in minerals and organic matter, with good natural drainage and stable moisture retention. Old tea trees growing in these conditions develop extensive root systems that penetrate deeply into the mountain terrain and interact with multiple soil layers over centuries of growth. This deep mineral interaction contributes directly to the dense texture, pronounced minerality, and long-lasting aftertaste characteristic of high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er from Lincang.
The surrounding ecological environment remains relatively biodiverse and less industrialized compared to lower-altitude plantation areas. Forest vegetation, humid mountain air, and natural cloud cover help protect the leaves from excessive direct sunlight while preserving freshness and aromatic complexity within the tea material. At the same time, periods of stronger mountain sunlight contribute to concentration and structural intensity, creating balance between softness, bitterness, freshness, and sweetness in the finished tea.
Traditional harvesting and processing methods remain closely connected to the rhythm of the local mountain environment. Tea material is selectively hand-harvested and processed near the cultivation area in order to preserve freshness and maintain the integrity of the leaf before fixation. Combined with old tree material and high-altitude terroir, these conditions produce Sheng Pu'Er with strong energetic character, layered aromatic development, and exceptional long-term aging potential.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are large, thick, and well-structured, displaying a mixture of dark olive, deep green, and silver-toned buds characteristic of old tree Sheng Pu'Er material. Their appearance reflects careful hand-harvesting and traditional sun-drying, preserving both the integrity and natural texture of the leaves. The aroma of the dry leaf is deep and concentrated, combining notes of dry wood, mountain herbs, light resin, wildflowers, and subtle mineral undertones. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma becomes warmer and more expressive, revealing additional layers of forest wood, warm stone minerality, dried fruits, tree bark, and gentle honeyed sweetness. After the rinse, the leaves fully awaken and the aromatic profile becomes more integrated and complex, balancing woody warmth, floral freshness, herbal depth, and characteristic mountain minerality.
The liquor is clear and bright, with a rich golden-yellow tone gradually deepening through later infusions. The aroma of the infusion is structured and persistent, combining mineral depth, dried herbs, warm wood, floral nuances, and subtle fruity sweetness. The texture is dense, coating, and energetic, reflecting both the concentration of old tree material and the structural intensity associated with high-mountain Sheng Pu'Er. Initial bitterness is direct and pronounced but clean, quickly transforming into strong returning sweetness and active salivation across the palate. Layers of minerals, forest wood, dried herbs, light spice, and cooling camphor-like sensations continue developing throughout the session while maintaining excellent balance between strength, clarity, and softness.
The aftertaste is long, cooling, and deeply persistent, with sweetness gradually building in the throat and mouth long after drinking. As the tea continues to open, the structure becomes increasingly rounded and integrated while preserving its energetic mountain character and mineral depth. In the empty cup, the aroma remains warm and expressive, revealing lingering notes of dried fruits, sweet wood, wildflowers, resin, and subtle honeyed undertones.
2021 Matai Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from tea material harvested in 2021 from tea trees over 350 years old, growing at an altitude of approximately 1650 meters in the Matai area, Lincang, Yunnan, China. High elevation, mature tree material, and traditional production techniques create a tea with pronounced structure, aromatic complexity, and strong aging potential. The production follows a classic processing approach that preserves the integrity and energetic character of the leaf material through careful hand-harvesting, pan-firing, sun-drying, and traditional stone pressing.
Tea trees of this age develop extensive root systems capable of penetrating deeply into mineral-rich mountain soils, contributing to the concentration, density, and layered complexity associated with high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er. Slower leaf development at high altitude additionally supports the accumulation of aromatic compounds and balanced polyphenol structure, giving the tea both strength and clarity while maintaining controlled bitterness and returning sweetness. This combination of mature trees and mountain ecology is especially appreciated among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers seeking teas with depth, structure, and long-term transformation potential.
As a relatively young Sheng Pu'Er, the 2021 harvest still preserves much of its original mountain energy, freshness, and structural intensity. At the same time, the first stages of natural maturation have already begun integrating sharper vegetal elements into a more rounded and balanced profile. Properly stored Sheng Pu'Er from old tree material at this elevation is valued for its ability to gradually develop greater softness, aromatic complexity, and internal harmony while maintaining clarity and strength over many years.
TERROIR
The Matai area of Lincang, Yunnan, is situated in a high-mountain environment at elevations around 1650 meters above sea level, where cooler temperatures, frequent mist, and strong day-to-night temperature variation create ideal conditions for the development of complex Sheng Pu'Er material. Slower vegetation cycles under these conditions allow the leaves to accumulate higher concentrations of aromatic compounds, amino acids, and balanced polyphenols, contributing to the tea’s structure, depth, and persistent returning sweetness. This climatic balance supports the development of teas with both pronounced strength and refined clarity.
The mountain soils of the region are rich in minerals and organic matter, with good natural drainage and stable moisture retention. Old tea trees growing in these conditions develop extensive root systems that penetrate deeply into the mountain terrain and interact with multiple soil layers over centuries of growth. This deep mineral interaction contributes directly to the dense texture, pronounced minerality, and long-lasting aftertaste characteristic of high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er from Lincang.
The surrounding ecological environment remains relatively biodiverse and less industrialized compared to lower-altitude plantation areas. Forest vegetation, humid mountain air, and natural cloud cover help protect the leaves from excessive direct sunlight while preserving freshness and aromatic complexity within the tea material. At the same time, periods of stronger mountain sunlight contribute to concentration and structural intensity, creating balance between softness, bitterness, freshness, and sweetness in the finished tea.
Traditional harvesting and processing methods remain closely connected to the rhythm of the local mountain environment. Tea material is selectively hand-harvested and processed near the cultivation area in order to preserve freshness and maintain the integrity of the leaf before fixation. Combined with old tree material and high-altitude terroir, these conditions produce Sheng Pu'Er with strong energetic character, layered aromatic development, and exceptional long-term aging potential.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are large, thick, and well-structured, displaying a mixture of dark olive, deep green, and silver-toned buds characteristic of old tree Sheng Pu'Er material. Their appearance reflects careful hand-harvesting and traditional sun-drying, preserving both the integrity and natural texture of the leaves. The aroma of the dry leaf is deep and concentrated, combining notes of dry wood, mountain herbs, light resin, wildflowers, and subtle mineral undertones. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma becomes warmer and more expressive, revealing additional layers of forest wood, warm stone minerality, dried fruits, tree bark, and gentle honeyed sweetness. After the rinse, the leaves fully awaken and the aromatic profile becomes more integrated and complex, balancing woody warmth, floral freshness, herbal depth, and characteristic mountain minerality.
The liquor is clear and bright, with a rich golden-yellow tone gradually deepening through later infusions. The aroma of the infusion is structured and persistent, combining mineral depth, dried herbs, warm wood, floral nuances, and subtle fruity sweetness. The texture is dense, coating, and energetic, reflecting both the concentration of old tree material and the structural intensity associated with high-mountain Sheng Pu'Er. Initial bitterness is direct and pronounced but clean, quickly transforming into strong returning sweetness and active salivation across the palate. Layers of minerals, forest wood, dried herbs, light spice, and cooling camphor-like sensations continue developing throughout the session while maintaining excellent balance between strength, clarity, and softness.
The aftertaste is long, cooling, and deeply persistent, with sweetness gradually building in the throat and mouth long after drinking. As the tea continues to open, the structure becomes increasingly rounded and integrated while preserving its energetic mountain character and mineral depth. In the empty cup, the aroma remains warm and expressive, revealing lingering notes of dried fruits, sweet wood, wildflowers, resin, and subtle honeyed undertones.
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
Explore more Sheng (Raw) Pu'Er from AN SHIM TEA Collection.