Bottega Veneta pour Homme opens with an all too brief blast of relatively sharp bergamot citrus and alcoholic gin-like juniper berry before the fragrance turns slightly green as it transitions to its early heart derived from coniferous pine that slowly turns into green fir tree. Joining the coniferous woods lies a vague near aqueous mildly herbal woody undertone that adds a soft, smooth texture. The dry-down turns to a labdanum derived slightly powdery amber and subtle leather tandem joining patchouli from the base as the coniferous greens disappear. Projection is below average (though more than a skin scent) and longevity is above average at 9-10 hours on skin.
While I never purchased the original Bottega Veneta release I have fond memories of sniffing it at their Las Vegas Palazzo boutique while on vacation and coming away relatively impressed. Based on those positive sister scent memories my expectations for Bottega Veneta pour Homme were much higher than normal. Unfortunately, different perfumers were responsible for the sister compositions, and alas, Bottega Veneta pour Homme comes up more than a bit short in comparison. The composition's heart really revolves around what I can only describe as "vague aqueous soft woods". Unlike the vast majority of occurrences where that term means "artificial smelling" in this case they really do not largely come off that way. That said, while the execution is rather good, the whole thing comes off as a tad too familiar until soft leathery labdanum in the late dry-down adds much needed distinguishing character. The bottom line is Bottega Veneta pour Homme is a cut above the average release and is pleasant enough to wear, but it does not distinguish itself enough from the ever growing crowd of competitors to warrant an unreserved recommendation earning a "good" rating of 3 stars out of 5.
