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2011 Darjeeling Autumn Flush Gopaldhara Thunder Tea from DarjeelingTeaXpress

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78/100

2011 Darjeeling Autumn Flush Gopaldhara Thunder Tea

Black Tea by DarjeelingTeaXpress

This tea is chock-full of flavor and aroma in the manner of an oolong! The dry leaf is shockingly reminiscent of wine and roses, almost like a dessert wine or aperitif. The infusion is bright and attractive with an luminous coppery appearance, reddish blush, greenish accents. It is one of those autumnal Darjeelings that is satisfyingly full of tannins but without noticeable bitterness. This is a tea-lover’s tea for sure and takes milk exceedingly well.

Detail
Origin: 2011 Darjeeling
Tea Estate: Gopaldhara
Colour: Oolong
Grade: Thunder
Flush: Autumn
Type: Single Estate
Length of Infusion: 3-5 mins
Water Temperature: 90-100 C

Dry Leaves
Aspect: Medium-large, twisted leaf; about 20-25% light golden tips
Colours: Reddish-brown
Scents: Wine and roses, freshly-baked scones

Brewed Leaves (Infusion)
Colours: Brilliant, coppery, rosy, with a touch of green
Scent: Chocolate and spice

Liquor
Colours: Medium amber
Flavour: Full, round, tangy, orange/citrus; bright and brisk
Aromas: Sweet and fruity

1 Tasting Note

Peter Azak
85

So, DarjeelingTeaXpress had run out of their First Flush Gopaldhara Wonder Tea, which I completely love, and advised me to get this instead, as it is similar. I was quite skeptical, but because I wanted the wonder tea so much, I could make do with the supposed next best thing.

The leaves have a quite mild and sweet aroma, I would guess reminiscent of red wine, as they have described.

As the colors of the leaves suggest, the liquor is quite dark. And, as the aroma of the leaves suggest, there is a mildly sweet scent as you are steeping.

It surprises me, though, how this is not close to my beloved wonder tea, but still a very full and delicious tea in it’s own right. The black tea is quite rounded, accenting the very respectable tangy citrus flavors. For such a dark tea, it is also quite brisk and bright.

Despite not replacing their wonderful First Flush Gopaldhara Wonder Tea, this tea stands on it’s own as more than respectable and very much enjoyable.