1996 is a syrupy, medicinal, labdanum rich amber that begins with a sharp and tangy juniper note in the opening. It's a piercing, clarifying note that serves to liven up what is otherwise an almost leaden feeling composition. There is not much development beyond the point that the juniper disappears in the heart. The base is dark 'leathery' labdanum and patchouli flecked with birch tar and immortelle nuances. As 1996 dries down it becomes an almost startling imitation of Annick Goutal's Ambre Fetiche (AF) minus the smokey incense note.
Having owned and drained a bottle of AF, I have no desire to get a bottle of 1996. It smells good and in line with what we've all come to expect this genre of fragrances should smell like but it's ultimately less distinctive and interesting than many other niche amber centric offerings. Put plainly if I was in the mood for something like 1996, there's be at least a half dozen other compositions in the same vein that I would buy and wear before I picked up a bottle of this.
