Essence Rare surprised me, simply because it doesn’t feel like Roja’s usual style. It opens up with a juicy cocktail of sharp, tangy, rindy fruits including blood orange, raspberry and blackcurrant. Usually when Roja utilises fruits they come across very gentle, powdery and soft whereas this scent is very bold and zesty. A floral heart provides some powdery touches to the fruits but mostly paved way for a base of green, vegetal nuances mainly coming from the palma rosa and patchouli. There’s a hint of creaminess from the oakmoss and Sandalwood which helps to smooth everything out but this is very subtle. I think Essence Rare is a fantastic scent if you love very juicy, tangy and rindy fruit notes in your perfume. Personally this is not a love for me but I can see the appeal, there are many others from the Pierre de Velay line I would rather own.