Vanille de Zanzibar Boucheron 2017

For decades, I steered clear of vanilla scents: they were simply annoying to me!
So my astonishment is naturally great now, as I have been feeling quite at home with the diverse creations surrounding this pod for a few months.
Even though I cannot place the origin of the fruits, I am repeatedly surprised by the different fragrance experiences they create.

I only think of "Vanille Absolument" by L'Artisan Parfumeur: a intoxicating mixture that I could eat with a spoon!
To the delicacy of "Jour de Fête," which L'Artisan Parfumeur already hints at in the soft pink of the bottle.
Or to the five fairy-like vanilla creations by Sylvaine Delacourte, which delighted me thanks to Alöx and which inspired five comments due to their differentiation. Each one deserves it.
Annick Goutal's vanilla goddess quickly and persistently captured me, and now comes "Vanille de Zanzibar" by Boucheron: a brand that I feel very comfortable with anyway.
Just the pyramid alone is intriguing!

Here, vanilla once again shows itself in one of its many facets: creamy white, smooth, and generously embracing as usual, but with a fine fruity note.
Pear and jasmine - what a dream pair! The delicate, bright pear aroma is surrounded by the fragrance fullness of the large-blooming jasmine.
Ripe, light yellow pears nestle against the large, intensely fragrant jasmine flowers; the dark green foliage completes a beautiful still life that could well be laid on a layer of heavy cream-white velvet.
Mandarin provides a zesty freshness, without biting or buzzing too much, before the heart note reveals itself in intoxicating beauty.
Wrapped in heavy wool-white lush folds, the warming, all-encompassing vanilla draws in.
It is supported by the dark violet vanilla flower, which does not hold back with its scent: a cornucopia of additional sensuality is poured out here!
Not enough of the vanilla-like fragrance fullness yet: Peru balsam makes an appearance!
I always shudder slightly when I imagine this balsam being caught in rags that are then boiled.
But, be that as it may: the skin aspect is the effect!
And it adds a very special nuance to this previous fragrance lady: balsamic, slightly bitter, and ideally harmonizing through its ingredients benzoin, cinnamic acid, and vanillin.
Thus, "Vanille de Zanzibar" not only develops a slightly floral-fruity sweetness but also acquires a hint of spicy resin.
I see fine dark brown balsam flowing into creamy white crème, drawing arbitrary patterns within it.
Perhaps like white marble veined with golden brown?
Or better: aromatic white nougat with a light caramel marbling?
But whatever the imagination may draw: white musk - here even fitting in my perception - appears and is immediately accompanied by the slightly scratchy sandalwood and the golden beauty of patchouli.
Thus, from all these precious fragrance materials, a truly intoxicating final phrase is composed.
The conductor has learned his craft and leads his fragrance orchestra with confidence!

Boucheron's "Vanille de Zanzibar" reveals itself as a vanilla scent being that clings to the skin in sensually flowing movements, conquering you and settling there lazily for some time.
As noble as this vanilla goddess is, so is her presence: she is present from the very first pear scent-laden moment, but never loud, never annoying, or even felt sticky, although seemingly born of syrup or crème. A refined sweetness that could be dedicated to the goddess Venus.

"Vanille de Zanzibar" bids farewell elegantly and as lightly as a spirit: a graceful trace remains, reminiscent of lovingly spent hours and still containing warmth.
A smile remains!