Most of us Westerners can't read Chinese. Besides CNNP I don't think
it too much to expect factory and year from the seller or from
elsewhere along the line. Understanding what is on the wrapper adds to
the drinking ambience not the taste. Also knowing some particulars
might help you find it cheaper elsewhere. Speaking of a factory named
Nan Jian might be better than describing opposing dragons on their 100g
tuos or funny deer on their 200g mini beengs. On Ebay they're $2.50/$4
respectively on TaoBao $.50/$1. I did some homework. I buy teas blind
all the time with some educated guessing but I'm not throwing my money
away on lotto. I wished I could be overwhelmed by teamarkets with more
wrappers than I've ever seen. I'd stay at a hotel with a concierge and
make it worth while to pack and send by China Post.

Jim

Alex Chaihorsky wrote:
> Oleg -
>
> I fully understand your attempt to know as much as you can about that tea.
> However, after years of taking the wrappers seriously (I do read some
> Chinese) I gave up after I saw how wrappers are sold on a teamarkets in
> Yunnan. By hundreds! All types and of all factories.
> So now when I buy something from my friend Roy at ITC and he tells me that
> he bought that puerh himself from a factory warehouse I am almost sure that
> what it is (there is a possibility that they fool Roy too). However I do not
> really care anymore because I learned to like what I like and buy as much of
> it as I can as soon as I figure out that I like it and not be too hang up
> about the wrappers.
> Here in Nevada once in a while I buy great fresh Fangcha in a teashop that
> has no idea what they sell (they get this as a new product under the name
> "Mongolian Tea" In reality its ???? . Nothing Mongolian about it.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Sasha.