Patchouli Leaves by Montale

The previous review hits the nail on the head: patchouli almost talc-like at a distance, but earthy and damp close to the skin. I bought it blind via CURLY FRAGRANCE and regretted it during the first two sprays. But I learned that niche perfumes need time to be understood. At first, it smells strongly of earth, then evolves into something ambered, sweet without being cloying, chocolatey and woody. It’s a masculine scent. The trail and longevity are brutal, with no dry down.

Earthy, balsamic and sweet with vanilla that smells more like chocolate. It’s a contradictory world that fits perfectly, a niche exclusive for special noses. I would never recommend buying blind, but I’m particular and it has won me over. The dry down is impeccable: patchouli almost talc-like at a distance, earthy and damp close to the skin. I visualise a wet wooden box with a crushed patchouli plant, earth, vanilla and chocolate. A unique and exceptional aroma.

I like it. Earthy patchouli opening, very well balanced with the sweetness of vanilla and amber. The hop adds a resinous character, plus a bit of musk. The patchouli loses strength and becomes creamier, letting the vanilla take over. There’s a slight chocolate note. It’s a kinder patchouli than the Mazzolari one I tried, which seemed similar. I preferred the opening of this one and the dry-down of the Mazzolari. Performance is good, as with most Montales. For autumn and winter, for evening wear. Longevity is very long-lasting. Heavy trail.

Another Montale Patchouli Leaves: I’d define it more as ambered than woody. It’s simple, a predominantly musky and resinous work. The labdanum smells like ambergris and resin. The patchouli is noticeable in the outline, not the heart. When you move your wrist away from your nose, the patchouli blends with the musk and labdanum. It’s linear, a clean patchouli, not dirty like Serge Lutens. The musk is balanced and wearable. The patchouli is sweet and a bit boring, but together they make a great combination. The vanilla is more of a fixative than an aromatic note. Little original, but very wearable if you like musky and resinous fragrances. It confuses me a bit, but for others it must be incredible. I bought it on this fragrance route because I believe patchouli is worth wearing always, even if it’s not very versatile.

I met this perfume via a gifted sample. It’s a very nice patchouli, crisp, sweet, herbal and slightly earthy. The amber is noticeable, giving warmth, and the vanilla is very soft. The protagonist is the patchouli and I love the elegant, subtle and clean way it’s approached. It’s very unisex, linear but beautiful. Ideal for winter or night, it has that sensual touch. Trail and longevity are very good.

The patchouli note is dominant, but not sharp nor soft. It’s intense, deep and very pleasant. Longevity is very long-lasting and the trail is long. It must delight patchouli lovers.

Agree with the previous reviewer: the opening is pure patchouli, then it dries down to an intoxicating amber with a hint of vanilla. That’s all there is – simple but well-made and pleasant, ideal if you like patchouli. Longevity is very good, perhaps a little less than usual for Montale, but more than enough. Projection is also excellent. What about the weather? Definitely for cold days. Unisex and recommended.

Smells of patchouli with an amber touch and a nice alcoholic kick. A very good perfume.