Winter Palace by Memo Paris

What a surprise this Winter Palace… Perhaps due to the name, I expected something darker, but upon reaching the nose, it was a delight. What a beautiful perfume. The opening isn’t my favourite part; it’s a sparkling wave of citrus and tea, a statement of intent. But once it dries, it’s much better: sweet resins emerge that complement the mixture perfectly. It’s a fresh-warm contrast, difficult to explain. You must try it; I loved it. In summary: Unisex, though for me it has quite a masculine edge. Very versatile, extra versatile, although it shines in warm climates and suits any occasion. Scent: 9, Longevity: 7, Sillage: 7.5, Price: 225 Euros/100ml.

I love perfumes with tea notes, and Winter Palace seems to remind me that tea is not just flavour and warmth, but an entire atmosphere that can be so different, sometimes invigorating, sometimes relaxing. It smells like a winter morning when the frost sparkles like champagne bubbles and the sun plays with golden reflections, barely touching the horizon. The scent opens with a revitalising burst of bergamot and orange, capable of waking you up faster than any alarm. But then the black tea accord appears. Its smoky, enveloping warmth creates that perfect balance: fresh yet cosy, vibrant yet soft. In the background, the woody amber leaves a subtle trail, reminding you that winter is not just cold, but also a collection of special moments that make us feel alive. For me, this is more than a perfume: it’s a small ritual. A couple of sprays, a sip of tea, winter.

Winter Palace: A very aromatic citrus opening, reminiscent of lemon skin. The heart blends beautifully with a delicious black tea. The dry down is black tea with a faint citrus note, followed by soft touches of tolu balsam, musk, and tonka bean. Projection lasts about three hours and longevity is around eight hours. It’s a fragrance based on black tea, earthy and bitter (delicious), with citrus softened by resins and musk. It has weak projection (better in warm weather), but a singular, pleasant aroma that induces meditation and rest. It never disappoints, versatile for any time and place. The only drawback is that the black tea could be more intense and the projection more potent, considering its price.

On my skin, it opens sweet, citrusy, and balsamic, like an extra-sugared orange syrup from my childhood. Quickly, the bitterness of the tea and mate becomes noticeable, with a touch of bitter orange and tolu balsam. Then the balsamic fades, and the talc rises while the vanilla and benzoin take centre stage without the opening disappearing entirely. As it dries, the tonka adds a nocturnal touch. The projection is good for the first two hours, then it sits close to the skin for another five. It’s lovely, interesting, and feminine, ideal for mild or cold climates in informal settings or the office. It has a unique scent that doesn’t smell like anything mass-produced, perfect as a signature. The opening doesn’t overwhelm me, though it seems pricey for its longevity. Pleasant: 6/10 Interesting: 8/10 Versatile: 6/10 Original: 9/10

This perfume is pure relaxation and warmth, like a close embrace or a family gathering. The opening is citrusy and vibrant with grapefruit, lemon, and bergamot, but soon the black tea with tolu balsam and yerba mate emerges, giving it that perfect bitter, herbal touch to make you feel as if you’re holding a steaming cup at home. Then, the creamy, powdery vanilla with an almond cake aftertaste transports you to winter afternoons at your grandmother’s house eating cookies. Finally, the tonka, opoponax, and amber notes create a welcoming elegance, far from the cold opulence suggested by its bottle.

It is too tasty; hard for anyone to dislike this rich fruity tea, citrusy and long-lasting. The first time I tried it I thought it was ideal for all year round, although its name ‘Winter Palace’ doesn’t quite fit, as I find it suitable for any season. I find it more appropriate for the day than for the night. It is sweet, with almond hints, citrusy and to a certain extent ‘red’, as if it carried berries. Although the notes suggest something balsamic, heavy and wintery, the reality is comfortable and I feel it as an energetic booster. It is aromatherapy in all its splendour. I loved it and I am curious to try more from this niche brand. Note: *outstanding* 👍🏼