Castronovo Nicaragua 72% cacao

Another excellently made bar from Castronovo Chocolate. The initial impression is of bright cherry, but this shifts to more earthy flavors. The label mentions "savory notes of walnut." I can see the nutty element, though walnut did not initially come to mind. I tasted this bar with a glass of Port, and enjoyed both immensely. 8.2

Castronovo Peru San Martin 70% cacao

This is an exceptional bar, flavorful and well made. Fruit is the first impression, more cherry than citrus. The bar has a crisp snap and a nice design on the surface. A lot of flavor is packed into a small bar. 9.6

www.castronovochocolate.com

Pascha Peru Organic 70% cacao

This bar has a definite bitter aspect. It is slightly musky, perhaps better called "earthy." These elements linger in the aftertaste. 6.7

This is one of the few single-origin bars that is made and poured at the origin, rather than shipped as beans to another country for manufacture. The challenge to this is that the finished bar is more fragile than the raw beans.

paschachocolate.com

Santander Columbia 53% cacao

Sweet. This bar has more sugar in this bar than the 70% cacao bars I mostly taste, and it does come through. There is also a smoky-maple flavor that adds a bitter-sweet aspect. The aftertaste is more sweet than bitter. 7.7

Ritual Madagascar 2011 75% cacao

Very nice flavor profile. This is a typical Madagascar chocolate. Typical, that it, when the the bar is well made. Bright, fruity flavors (some cherry, some raisin, some citrus), moderate bitterness, clean aftertaste.  Very crisp snap when breaking the bar. 8.4

Valhrona Venezuela El Pedregal 2012 64% cacao

With a 64% cocoa content, this bar has low bitterness and a gentle profile. There is some nutmeg flavor, but cocoa is the dominant theme. Clean, but short, aftertaste. 7.9

Alce Nero Costa Rica 71% cacao

Noticeable bitterness on initial taste, but the aftertaste is easy and clean. Honey flavor is underlying the cocoa. 7.1

Just noticed that I also reviewed this bar in 2011. I rated it a bit higher than I do now, and I mention orange notes that I'm not tasting now.