Le Gemme - Calaluna Bvlgari 2014

and indeed top marks for scent, longevity, sillage, and bottle. And that means something.

I treated myself to this fragrance as the highlight of my South France perfume trip...in the Galeries Lafayette in Nice (apparently this Le Gemme collection is only available here and in Paris).
Despite the high price (155 euros for 30ml), it had to be done; I wouldn't have lasted long without it. And it is worth every cent.
It was also one of the few fragrances where the "love at first sniff" lasted through the next and the one after that. The love even grew stronger!

About the scent:

it develops the (almost) final note right after spraying, which only changes slightly within a pleasant range.
I smell soft iris in the background and almond in the foreground (probably ambrette). These notes are bathed in warm milk, so they are perfectly rounded and agreeable.
At the same time, I smell something very clear; I wouldn't call it green at all, but the scent is not just milky. Hard to describe...maybe sugar water.
The sweetness in the fragrance remains pleasant; it definitely belongs there. I would call it lovely and likable, and I can't imagine anyone (even a sweet-hater) being bothered by it. It just fits.
The whole thing is anchored in a cozy amber base, which remains in the background, almost imperceptible.
I have never smelled anything like this before and am thrilled by the many facets and the good rounding of the scent. Also noteworthy is the longevity...8 hours PLUS a shower, and the perfume on my arm has almost survived unchanged.

I had my mother test it blind, and she said, "Oh, that smells expensive!" I asked why...she replied, "Because it's so balanced and unique!" I was speechless; she is usually not very fragrance-affine.

The scent is very close to the skin and connects well with the wearer; it is always there, yet not intrusive.

Now, when asked what my favorite fragrance is, I can confidently answer with Calaluna! I had struggled with this before, as I have many in the running.