JCC No. 2 Jean-Charles de Castelbajac 1988 Eau de Parfum

Today it has arrived, Jean Charles Castelbajac's No.2, the somewhat lesser-known Chypre sister of the beautiful classic "Premiere." Also a child of the 80s. What might it have to offer? I stumbled upon it by chance in the bay and it immediately piqued my curiosity. I snagged it because the fragrance is practically off the market.

Right after spraying, the scent welcomes me with the wonderfully wide-open arms of the classic Chypre with bergamot and fruity notes, captured in a small aldehyde cloud that gently wafts around me.

Compared to "Premiere," this opening is, however, less bright, already a shade darker here. If one wants to enjoy this start, the top note is already hiding around the next corner, and a wonderful, huge bouquet of flowers appears and exudes its captivating scent. We are not talking about bright or budding fresh flowers here, but rather velvety dark roses and fully bloomed carnations can be perceived, with a hint of jasmine. Not sweet, noble, a touch elegant.

Now a distinctly noticeable, fine sandalwood note joins in, along with a nice soapiness that remains until the end. It gives the fragrance hold and structure and prevents it from slipping into any heaviness. Also, a pleasant, not overly assertive leather note wafts over from time to time.

The base of JCC No2 is infinitely soft, warm, and wonderfully beautiful! I have never sniffed such an infinitely gentle, almost tender base in a Chypre. Actually, this is what I like best about this fragrance.

If one imagines that "Premiere" is the radiant, somewhat loud, extroverted sister, then No2 is the quiet one, sitting a bit off to the side. A little shy, perhaps dreamy. She plays softly on her instrument and in minor.

If she hadn't long since disappeared from the perfume shelves, she would quietly stand in a narrow spot ... and wait for us ...