The presentation is absolutely exquisite. Included with every box is a color guide to all of the flavors, which are differentiated only by the pictures on top. The design on the top of each square truffle is from a custom made transfer sheet. Adorned with a classic French caricature, each truffle portrays a unique hand-drawn image. The box is a lovely combination of French blue and sable brown, adorned with embossed ribbon, tied with exacting precision. The box is then placed in a clear mini shopping bag, nestled amongst a few silk rose petals tossed in as a finishing touch.

The coverture used is 60-72% single origin chocolate. In all cases I find the enrobing to be of optimal thickness, and complimentary to the ganache inside. The first bite is of the Espresso, which is perfectly balanced in flavor; the coffee flavor is upfront but not overpowering, with a lasting smooth melt. The Cappuccino is delightfully distinct from the Espresso, with obvious elements of cream in both texture and taste. Spices is a complex experience with a range of spices that express themselves individually, one after the other; cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and a bit of chili maybe. This is the most multifaceted chocolate I have ever tasted, and I continue to marvel at the way each spice is tasted separately in one bite. Peanut Butter is difficult to do well, but MarieBelle has certainly succeeded. Enrobing perfectly smooth peanut butter laced with roasted bits of peanuts, this bonbon is delectably firm with a roasted, salty finish. Manjari and Dulce are both pleasingly flavored and velvety with a bit of a sugary cast. Again demonstrating their ability to compound complimentary essences, the Wild Berry is surprisingly smooth and clean, with upfront blackberry becoming blueberry with a sweet-tart finish. While unique and as fudgy as the others, the Saffron approaches savory with medicinal undertones. MarieBelle's Caramel displays the ideal texture and density, with the classic roasted sugar overtone.

Every truffle and bonbon is an experience to be savored. The flavors are creative but in keeping with the classic theme of MarieBelle New York. Because of the purity and simplicity of the ingredients used, the aftertaste is clean, and without sugary or waxy residue. When biting into one of these works of art, you will marvel first at the silky mouthfeel, and then at the way the flavors ignite your tastes buds while the chocolate melts ever so slowly on your tongue. $24 for a jewelry box of 9 chocolates is certainly on the expensive end of the range, but in this case the fancy packaging and presentation hint at some of the best artisan chocolates I have ever tasted.

Maker Notes:

MarieBelle's luscious morsels are handmade with only the finest single-origin cacao. Using up to 72% cacao beans, these high concentrations result in a rich, complex flavor not commonly found. Exotic flavors are continuously being added to the line; fans now choose from 27 flavors, including Earl Grey Tea, Saffron, Spices, Cardamom, Lemon and Hazelnut.