Valrhona - Palmira 2008 - 64%

Cost: $13.00 for 75g

Comparative Cost: $17.33 per 100g

Origin: Venezuela

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Buy again: Yes, a lovely sharp berry flavored chocolate

I lusted after this chocolate for quite some time before some found its way into my grateful little hands.  I am a fan of the Valrhona single estate reserve chocoaltes, and this was the last of the trilogy for me to try.  And finally I got some with a great deal of anticipation...

The cocoa of this particular chocolate is from the Plantation Palmira in Venezuela and from their 2008 harvest. The packaging is good, but nothing great but often enough for me the name Valrhona as what this often contains as a product means a lot more to me than their somewhat conservative packaging.  

It should also be noted this hails from the illustrious Criollo bean - the rarest and most delicate bean available.  

Sight

In their classic style blocks Valrhona makes lovely generous sized pieces, generous in both size and thickness. There is something very satisfying in just sighting something that will deliver a hearty chocolate tasting like this.

The chocolate is deep brown colour and each individual square has discreetly embedded within it the Valrhona name - what more do you need?

Sound

Fantastic snap - a very strong deep snap.  Better than the average.

Smell

I had this sitting under me as I was typing the intial notes and the smell was seducing my senses.  I love when you get such a strong aroma off chocolate, it doesn't often occur.  Despite this, I struggle to describe smell, but it is strong, enticing and exciting, although not quite so much as some of the Michel Cluizel.

Taste & Texture

Valrhona claim this chocolate carries notes of honey and nuts, so lets see...

Like all Valrhona chocolate, the texture is lovely and just melts perfectly and smoothly on the tongue - such a characteristic of Valrhona chocolate, I've never been disappointed on this front.

But beautiful texture is great, but what about the taste...the flavour commences with a gentle assault of light summer berries and it slowly intesifies until a rather strong and sharp fruity taste pervades.  Despite the claims of honey and nuts for me this is very berry orientated, quite acidic but represents a beautiful progression from mild strawberries to more tart raspberries.  

But just when you think you have this chocolate worked out it starts to mellow slightly and become a little sweeter.  But consistent through this is very strong berry flavours.  As for the honey and nuts, small hints of honey peep through, and likewise brief hints of coffee make the occasional appearance. 

Summary

Overall a beautifully strong flavoured chocolate that lingers nicely on the palette doing its Venezuelan (and Valrhona) heritage proud.  

It should be noted that this is based on the 2008 reserve.  Each years production will be sold under its own reserve and flavours can differ, and sometimes quite dramatically, due to this one simple difference.  But I love Valrhona so you're most likely going to get a great chocolate and what a treat, to indulge in single estate reserve!

A very very good chocolate that I will be buying again.  4.5 out of 5 - near perfect (and love that beautiful texture).

Buy online at Cocoa Kiss now

Reviewer: Shari
18 June 2009