I can only imagine it must be the 'Fig tree' note in here which makes Sandalo Nobile open so much like a fresh wonderful fruity smell, I can literally feel the fibrous innards as the juicy flesh is torn open. I think it's the most accurate and beautiful fig note I've ever smelled, it's also reminiscent of a real plum, not the jammy sweetness we think of as 'plum like' in perfumery, plum Japonais or CdG Floriental etc...this is a genuine green smell, more like that of Philosykos. Then proceedings start to get powdery, a lovely Iris note backed with creamy sandalwood but hints of the fig in there too. I think this fragrance has wonderfully complimentary ingredients but something doesn't quite ring true about it for me? I'm not sure if I think it's a bit too feminine for me or that it's just too clean, there's not enough dirt in here for my liking? Still a great fragrance if not just for that opening...not something I'd wear but totally worth checking out for sure. Update: 23/01/23 It's interesting when I look back on reviews like this, it's usually to say that I was wrong for being so down on a fragrance, but in this instance I'd say I don't really have the same enthusiasm I clearly had back in the mists of 2016. I still like the opening but it's kinda more of the coconut facet of fig leaf that I get rather than the lush greenery of fig flesh now. The body is a musky, creamy sandalwood which is very pleasant clearly well crafted but does little to excite me. So, My feelings have ended up being largely similar.
Sandalo Nobile is an odd yet pleasant fragrance. Opening with a blast of light, airy Iris and green fig tree, you’re initially greeted by what seems to be a rather fresh, clean and inoffensive perfume. A creamy, powdery sandalwood sets in as it develops on the skin which I must admit is addictive and compliments the Iris very well. There’s a whisper of sweetness coming from the saffron and benzoin however this is very subtle. Furthermore, I find the cumin listed is entirely undetectable - which I think is a good thing in all honesty. As it settles the green fig tree dwindles and the sandalwood becomes much drier. The sweetness becomes slightly more prominent which compliments the woods nicely. This is a very pleasant, mass appealing sandalwood with good quality of ingredients, but I find it lacks character and any memorable qualities unfortunately.