Okay so... is this going to spellbind anyone? I doubt it! It's very reminiscent of many Acqua di Parma's really, fresh citrus and fruit in the top with a super clean, delicately spiced woody dry down. I found the opening to be very citrus and green too but pleasant and then the slighty rusty vetiver underneath is revealed. I get a slight tea vibe and some cardamom too. To be honest, contrary to reviews on here the first time I tried it I found the vetiver quite earthy. On wearing it for a second time it's much cleaner and more reminiscent of Jo Malone vetyver, or 154. I think it's common knowledge that I like a good perfume like this when it's well done. I'm not sure what this retails for but I'd imagine it's expensive so in that case I'd say go with an alternative. I will say this... it has good longevity. Update: 31/01/23 Wow Nearly ten years since I reviewed this one. Have I got much more to say on this? Nothing earth shattering to add but I like the use of vetiver here, it's very functional in that if you like root like, dry, smoky vetiver this is perhaps not for you, but paired with citrus in this context it shines beneath all the fresh stuff making a woody, musky, wooly sort of feel. It's paired back, understated but has a certain quality and power to it, and not a trace of ....oh ISO E SUPER or Ambroxan...yada yada is propping it all up, at no time does it retreat into a single aroma chemical or boring base, it's blended right to the bitter end. Underappreciated I'd say. Thoroughly enjoyed wearing it today.
Vétiver D’Hiver has one of the best citrus openings I’ve ever come across. Bergamot, lemon and mandarin combine beautifully with a breezy vetiver and pink pepper. It’s such a light and airy fragrance, perfect for the summer. I don’t get much coriander, cardamom or patchouli in the dry down - more of a very light and fluffy musk which I must admit is beautiful. This fragrance isn’t vetiver dominant to me which is misleading considering the name, however it’s one of the most beautifully soft citruses I own. The performance is also shockingly bad unfortunately but the scent itself is so stunning I can’t let go of it. The benefit of this being so soft is that you could never overspray it, if I was in 40 degree heat this would be my go to scent and still wouldn’t be overpowering. It leaves such a fantastic and addicting sillage, one of my favourites from Armani Prive’s freshie line.