Wuyi Laocong Shuixian Oolong

Shui Xian Zhengyan Rock Tea

Harvest : 2024.

Terroir : Mi Tuo Yan (弥陀岩), Wuyi National Park, Fujian, China

The Shui Xian from Wuyi National Park is a fascinating oolong tea that impresses with its complex aroma, its distinct mineral character and its soft, pleasant texture. It is an ideal tea for connoisseurs who want to immerse themselves in the variety of aromas and the extraordinary depth of this famous "rock tea". The combination of floral, fruity and nutty notes, coupled with a light minerality, makes it a unique and multi-layered experience in the world of oolong teas.

Shui Xian rock tea (水仙, Shuǐ Xiān), which grows in Wuyi National Park in southeastern China, is one of the most famous varieties of the so-called "Wuyi Rock Teas" (岩茶, Yánchá). These teas come from the steep, rocky slopes of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province and are characterized by their complex variety of flavors and deep-rooted mineral properties.

Growth conditions:

Shui Xian tea thrives on Mi Tuo Rocks (弥陀岩) in the unique, rocky regions of the Wuyi Mountains, which are known for their special terroir. The soil in this area is rich in minerals and has a high iron content, which gives the tea leaves a distinctive, mineral aroma. The plants grow at high altitudes (between 600 and 1200 meters) and are exposed to seasonal fluctuations, humidity and fog, which favor the development of the leaves. The microclimate in the Wuyi Mountains, characterized by fog and cool mornings, helps the leaves ripen slowly, allowing a deeper variety of flavors to develop.

The tea plants are traditionally found in terraced plantations, where harvesting is often done by hand to select only the best leaves.

Taste:

Shui Xian has a very full-bodied, slightly sweet taste, characterized by complex floral and fruity notes. The initial wave of flavor can be reminiscent of ripe plums, peaches or even dates, accompanied by a gentle, almost honeyed depth. As it progresses, a subtle taste of roasted nuts and caramelized sugar cane notes develops, complemented by a light, mineral freshness. The minerality, which comes from the rocks and the specific terroir, is particularly evident in the finish, leaving a refreshing, somewhat "stony" note.

Another aspect of the flavor is a certain umami quality found in many Wuyi tea varieties, which gives the tea a depth and complexity that sets it apart from other oolong teas.

Aroma:

The aroma of Shui Xian tea is a true masterpiece of complexity. It is intense and subtle at the same time, with a mix of floral and fruity notes reminiscent of orchids and greengage. When you smell the tea leaves dry, you can often detect hints of honey and roasted grain. Once steeped, the tea develops a complex florality that combines with a slightly spicy, mineral accent, giving the impression of fresh, damp rock and warm summer rain.

Mouthfeel:

The mouthfeel of Shui Xian rock tea is smooth and velvety without being too heavy or greasy. It has a pleasant, almost creamy texture that coats the palate while maintaining a refreshing lightness. The tea has good structure and is both full-bodied and refreshing. The texture enhances the depth of flavor and provides a harmonious, long-lasting finish that lingers on the palate, ending with a pleasant aftertaste of roasted nuts and mineral freshness.

You can watch the Gong Fu preparation again here .