Black tea
Fig
Bay leaf
Cedarwood
Musk
Vetiver
Bergamot
06/08/2025
Merlotsupern
76 Reviews
Merlotsupern
Very helpful Review
7
The Best of Thé Bunch
As someone who has often found Le Labo’s offerings underwhelming, either too subdued for their price point or lacking in lasting power, Thé Noir 29 is an exception.
While the name suggests a tea-forward scent, the black tea note is more of a supporting player than the star. Instead, what emerges most prominently is a layered interplay of fig, bay leaf, cedarwood, vetiver, and tobacco, with a subtle sweetness that adds warmth without becoming a gourmand.
The opening is slightly green and aromatic, with a bergamot and bay leaf combo. Quickly, the scent deepens into a more resinous and earthy heart, where cedar and vetiver take over. The tobacco and fig notes lend a dry, almost leathery texture that evokes the scent of damp wood, perfectly suited for rainy days or introspective evenings (for those who are capable of introspection).
What I particularly like is that the composition avoids the overly smoky or syrupy pitfalls that can plague dark/er fragrances. Instead, it maintains a clean structure which makes it wearable while still feeling substantial. The tea note adds a faintly tannic bitterness that enhances the overall depth without dominating the profile.
Performance wise, Thé Noir 29 fares better than many of its Le Labo lineup. On skin, it offers moderate projection and longevity in the 6–8 hour range, which, while not beastly, is respectable for a scent of this style.
In summary, while I remain skeptical of Le Labo’s broader catalog, Thé Noir 29 earns its place as the standout in their lineup. It’s a fragrance that feels thoughtfully composed and seasonally evocative (and maybe also Baie 19 Eau de Parfum achieves something similar). For those who, like me, have struggled to connect with the brand’s ethos, this might be the one that changes your mind... so give it a try!
While the name suggests a tea-forward scent, the black tea note is more of a supporting player than the star. Instead, what emerges most prominently is a layered interplay of fig, bay leaf, cedarwood, vetiver, and tobacco, with a subtle sweetness that adds warmth without becoming a gourmand.
The opening is slightly green and aromatic, with a bergamot and bay leaf combo. Quickly, the scent deepens into a more resinous and earthy heart, where cedar and vetiver take over. The tobacco and fig notes lend a dry, almost leathery texture that evokes the scent of damp wood, perfectly suited for rainy days or introspective evenings (for those who are capable of introspection).
What I particularly like is that the composition avoids the overly smoky or syrupy pitfalls that can plague dark/er fragrances. Instead, it maintains a clean structure which makes it wearable while still feeling substantial. The tea note adds a faintly tannic bitterness that enhances the overall depth without dominating the profile.
Performance wise, Thé Noir 29 fares better than many of its Le Labo lineup. On skin, it offers moderate projection and longevity in the 6–8 hour range, which, while not beastly, is respectable for a scent of this style.
In summary, while I remain skeptical of Le Labo’s broader catalog, Thé Noir 29 earns its place as the standout in their lineup. It’s a fragrance that feels thoughtfully composed and seasonally evocative (and maybe also Baie 19 Eau de Parfum achieves something similar). For those who, like me, have struggled to connect with the brand’s ethos, this might be the one that changes your mind... so give it a try!
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