For lovers of elegant and balanced aged Sheng. The Jinchang Hao (敬昌號) Green Label Mansa 2000 is a notable Sheng Pu’er that pays homage to a legendary historic brand. Jinchang Hao refers to a famous tea house from the late Qing dynasty and the first half of the 20th century, known for sourcing premium material from the Mansa area of Yiwu. This 2000 tea cake is a revival of, or homage to, that historic style and has generated considerable interest among collectors and drinkers alike due to its background and flavor profile. While the first impression is dominated by earthy and woody aromas, reminiscent of walking through a coniferous forest on a hot summer day, the tea gradually unfolds layer upon layer of sweet and fruity notes as the session progresses. Forest honey, ripe apricot, and yellow plum are joined by the cooling quality of camphor, which lingers long after swallowing. Everything is held together by the refreshing minerality of river pebbles and an elegant herbal bitterness. This Sheng Pu’er offers remarkable complexity at an accessible price, especially considering its age. It will appeal both to those with a historical interest in Sheng Pu’er and to anyone simply looking for a well-aged Sheng with depth, balance, and character. Written by Sven