Finally received this in the post after being intrigued for some time and yes at first sniff it does resemble NdN but that's not quite the whole story. Tom Ford's Noir de Noir was a scent that was never a big deal to me and I genuinely couldn't see what the fuss was all about at first...It was just a very nice rose based perfume. However, after several wears over the years and a mini I occasionally dip into, I grew to understand that it was a pretty special fragrance, not too rosey but enjoyable and uplifting even. So the prospect of a cheaper alternative became very appealing and Club de Nuit Intense smells a hell of a lot like it. Crucial difference being after it settles the patchouli is more prominent, more quickly. Some would argue that's not much of a difference but try them side by side and you will notice what I mean. Other than that the opening is pretty much Identical, I'd say NdN seems a little jammier and sweeter in general but it really is slitting hairs. Also the choclately element a little cacao puff in both is present but as I mentioned the CdNI seems to be a little earthier patch. They both evoke Turkish delight and velvety, purple evening wear. I'm really glad I got this, because although I have rose fragrances I've nothing quite like this. Now I've never found NdN to be a big performer and this seems to sit low in exactly the same way, which I'm happy with to be honest because there's nothing worse than being choked out by your own rose perfume. A brilliant blind buy thanks to the reliable folks in the fragrance community bigging this one up now for some time.
I got lucky and got a bottle that was perfect from first spray. My goodness this is gorgeous. I love the opening and dry down of Noir de Noir, but I HATE the moldy mid and lackluster longevity. A scent that heavy should have great longevity, and in CDNIW, it does.
The opening and mid feel well blended and, and although there is no truffle listed, I get a fragrant, soft, dried, and edible feeling truffle accord… a welcome contrast from the fresh-in-the-dirt presentation in NdN. The movement in this fragrance is very enjoyable and addictive to me. The drydown smells identical to NdN, but is stronger. After several hours, the strength begins to mellow and you are left with the same beautiful exiting essence that you get with NdN after only about 30 minutes.
If you like NdN or Mugler Angel, you need this in your collection.
10/10