The elegant matte black wrapper gives way to the dancing golden foil beneath, guarding the aromas and flavors within. The bar is well formed and clean with no visible blemishes or imperfections. The bar has an excellent shine characteristic of Valrhona and is a deep reddish-brown. The format of the Valrhona mold makes it difficult to snap off a bite sized piece, causing the bar breaking unevenly. It does produce a clean snap and uniform cross-section when broken.

The aroma is gentle and sweet, with undertones of fruit and coffee. The initial fleeting flavor hints at earthiness, quickly giving way to fruit, most noticeably peaches. As the flavor expands, coffee can be detected along with a touch of spice. The sweetness is perfectly balanced from start to finish - never too sweet, and no bitter bite. The bar is refreshing and somehow light, with no residual thick coating left in the mouth. The texture is very smooth and full bodied, and the melt is even and silken.

Valrhona's current entry in the semi-sweet arena is both engaging and satisfying. The characteristic texture sets the stage with velvety smoothness, while the perfectly balanced flavors dance with the harmony of the Sugar Plum Fairies.

Maker Comments:
Dark Chocolate bar, 56% Cocoa. A blend of the most fragrant cocoa beans from Caribbean and Indian Ocean plantations. Its balanced taste comes from a light touch of acidity.