Bottega Veneta pour Homme Bottega Veneta 2013 Eau de Toilette

With this fragrance (which I really like), the listed ingredients and some commenting noses are lying to me! I expected something woody with a hint of earth and leather, with a slightly citrusy opening and a smoky base. But no such luck!

I don't know what's wrong with my nose, but BVPH is once again a prime example that the ingredients (at least for me) do not lead to the expected olfactory experience. On the other hand, it is all the more delightful that I still find the EDT very pleasant. For me, a slightly fruity note dominates here, tempered by something bitter to slightly herbal. However, neither pine resin nor leather and patchouli are in any way dominant for me. I suspect that the sweet labdanum, the citrusy bergamot, and the balsamic clary sage, in combination with the other ingredients, create this impression for me.

If I had to settle on the fruit I perceive, it would probably be blackberry or currant. In the end, it doesn't really matter. I would simply relocate the expected northern forest to the dry underbrush of a Mediterranean island! :-) Here, BVPH reveals its great strengths: never intrusive, but very original and still clearly perceptible on the skin even in the morning after waking up, a little sweet (without being sugary) with a hint of suede.

My overall impression is probably also due to the fact that the classic cedar and sandalwood notes are not used here. The pure scent is (as mentioned) pleasantly delicious, on one hand not loud or garish, on the other hand very distinctive and well-balanced. Definitely warm and slightly balsamic, without missing a certain degree of earthiness. One can wear it anytime and anywhere, whether one gains a rather fruity impression (like I do) or not ...