This fragrance was massively anticipated by me as a big fan of the original so anticipation and expectations were unduly high, so bare that in mind if I give this a lukewarm appraisal. So it opens and I get masses of ‘Parfum’ like closeness and oriental warmth, not something I get from the original but with the declaration Parfum in mind, this effectively does the same thing. Another aspect it borrows from Declaration is a cumin/caraway note, mildly sweaty even at first with only the vaguest glimpses of the aromats from the edt. I’d say this is very much a modernised, and reinvented Pasha, but does it have merit? Well it’s been on my skin for a few hours now and I’ve got to say, it’s really grown on me. There’s an almost sweetness to the leathery drydown, it’s really soft and subtle and I doubt will catch the attention of your average perfume punter. This will be sort out by those in the know and Cartier have surely created something, while not earth shattering that is very accomplished and has way more class than the vast majority of new men’s releases. I need to wear properly, but I’m of the same opinion as the Declaration Parfum, it’s a welcome addition, and it’s effectively a “what would this fragrance be like if it was in an entirely different genre?“ type of thing. Is it as good as the original? Nah, but if it’s reduced somewhere, I’ll make it mine. I love the soft sandalwood like drydown, though even just on my arm, can’t wait to have a proper wear and update this.