L'Eau à la Folie Nicolaï 2012

The first rays of the early summer sun caress the garden. Moisture hangs in the air, the scent of leaves and blossoms awakening under the dew drops.
Slowly, I begin my morning round through this little green realm. My first attention goes to the lemon balm bush. Bright green, sparkling fresh in scent, it stretches its leaves towards me; I can't help but pluck one and crush it between my fingers. The lemon becomes intense, as if I had just pressed one into sparkling soda by hand. A coolness spreads, but it doesn't come from the lemon.
The little peppermint bush catches my eye next. Rich dark green, boldly veined leaves, jaggedly edged, it also offers me a leaf. Immediately, the anticipated coolness intensifies, wrapping around my lemony hands; I automatically breathe in and feel free for the expected warmth of this day.
The scent of the leaves is underpinned, a layer of fresh fruits pushes to the forefront, a very bright melody. White flowers, yes, but it’s not just the jasmine bush blooming on this summer morning. A hint of freesia from next door? I can't quite place it, and this floral note remains consistently lemony and minty.
After a few minutes with this wonderful scent mix, I am ready for breakfast and head back into the house. I chop up some fruits. There's a mango, orange segments, maybe a bit of apple, which enhances the freshness. My nose tingles as if I had inhaled the bubbles of that minty lemon soda from earlier. No matter. It will still be hot enough today.