Top Notes 
Labdanum
Ginger
Orange blossom
Mandarin orange
Pepper
Grapefruit
Heart Notes 
Tuberose
Freesia
Jasmine
Gardenia
Karo Karounde
Carnation
Heliotrope
Iris
Narcissus
Nutmeg
Vetiver
Ylang-ylang
Base Notes 
Amber
Cedar
Frankincense
Oakmoss
Sandalwood
Tonka bean
Civet
Musk
Patchouli
Vanilla
06/16/2025
MrsGuerlain
428 Reviews
MrsGuerlain
1
The Sophisticated Lady
Just the other day I received my second bottle of Panthère PdT. This one came in the original box and the size is double up compared to my first bottle, namely 100ml. I am still not sure why I have to own two bottles but I definitely wanted the box. It feels like something is complete when the box is there. That part probably only makes sense to me.
Opening the box and looking at the bottle makes me smile. This is not just a perfume flacon. This is a masterpiece: the two glass (not plastic!) panthers on each side; the weight of the glass bottle; the tag in a red string around the neck with a “wax seal” hanging from it. So much effort put into making this magnificent vessel. Expectations are high before spraying.
Then there is the potion. With 28 notes listed I know it will be complex. Not knowing Karo Karounde will make it even more interesting - will I be able to detect the peppery/animalic flower note, smelling a bit like Jasmine? First sniff gives me ginger, mandarine orange and orange blossom. Sweet yet sharp and with labdanum lurking. But very soon the heart flowers pop up: jasmine and tuberose, very loud and clear. It is a true 80s’ thing but hey - I grew up with it, so I love it. It is part of my DNA. The subtle nutmeg adds a slightly spicy tone to the whole experience. And the ginger stays present, adding freshness. PdC never becomes cloying as some other 80s’ icons can on a bad day. Finally, after many hours the woody/mossy/sweet/musky base sends the flowers away and the depth of the fragrance shows itself. Beautiful, heavy and to the max.
This is not for beginners. It will definitely suit a well dressed lady on her way through the city she lives in. Perhaps Paris. Maybe Madrid. Sitting outside on a cafe with a friend; laughing delicately and using her hands when she talks. Not a queen but as sophisticated and with good manners. She can and will flirt with confidence as often as possible. And on her shelf at home stands Panthère de Cartier.
I do find it tragic that Cartier stopped producing this marvelous fragrance. However, I am not sure that it would feel the same if it was still in production. The fragrance has an aura of something magical in itself but knowing that one day will be the day when my bottles are empty makes me cherish the fragrance even more. I will keep buying when I get the chance.
Y2, 33/365
Opening the box and looking at the bottle makes me smile. This is not just a perfume flacon. This is a masterpiece: the two glass (not plastic!) panthers on each side; the weight of the glass bottle; the tag in a red string around the neck with a “wax seal” hanging from it. So much effort put into making this magnificent vessel. Expectations are high before spraying.
Then there is the potion. With 28 notes listed I know it will be complex. Not knowing Karo Karounde will make it even more interesting - will I be able to detect the peppery/animalic flower note, smelling a bit like Jasmine? First sniff gives me ginger, mandarine orange and orange blossom. Sweet yet sharp and with labdanum lurking. But very soon the heart flowers pop up: jasmine and tuberose, very loud and clear. It is a true 80s’ thing but hey - I grew up with it, so I love it. It is part of my DNA. The subtle nutmeg adds a slightly spicy tone to the whole experience. And the ginger stays present, adding freshness. PdC never becomes cloying as some other 80s’ icons can on a bad day. Finally, after many hours the woody/mossy/sweet/musky base sends the flowers away and the depth of the fragrance shows itself. Beautiful, heavy and to the max.
This is not for beginners. It will definitely suit a well dressed lady on her way through the city she lives in. Perhaps Paris. Maybe Madrid. Sitting outside on a cafe with a friend; laughing delicately and using her hands when she talks. Not a queen but as sophisticated and with good manners. She can and will flirt with confidence as often as possible. And on her shelf at home stands Panthère de Cartier.
I do find it tragic that Cartier stopped producing this marvelous fragrance. However, I am not sure that it would feel the same if it was still in production. The fragrance has an aura of something magical in itself but knowing that one day will be the day when my bottles are empty makes me cherish the fragrance even more. I will keep buying when I get the chance.
Y2, 33/365
