Spring Peony Darjeeling 1st Flush 2022

The Garden

Gopaldhara is one of the highest gardens in Darjeeling, sitting at 3,500 to 7,000ft in the Himalayan foothills. This exceptional producer is one of the few Darjeeling gardens to remain independent and family run, owned by Rishi Saria and his family. Lalani & Co have been working with Rishi and his team for about 11 harvests.

This Batch

2022 was a year of experimentation at Gopaldhara, and this tea is a result of one such experiment. The leaves were picked on the 21st March, with very careful selection of thick and juicy buds, from one of the highest sections of the garden at over 6,000ft. The plants here are the famous AV2 varietal. The leaves are gently tossed and low temperature dried. The most discerning among you may note that this could be considered an oolong or a white tea.

Tasting Notes

The tea is delicately floral in the glass, leading to light fruity notes. Think baobab, loquat, and possibly a hint of berry. There is good acidity, and it leaves a fruit peel sharpness in the finish.

We recommend 4g:150ml at 60°C for 5 minutes. Remember, a first flush Darjeeling like this needs time to open. After pouring, allow at least 3 minutes in the glass for the flavours to emerge; ideally 5 minutes.

Storage and Ageing

While this tea can be enjoyed for several years, first flush Darjeelings are best fresh and young. We suggest storing in a cool dry place and enjoying it within 14-18 months from harvest (April 2022) while it’s at its peak.