Vie de Château Intense Nicolaï 2008

What have I not experienced and admired in the last few years at Parfumo? Some things have amazed me, while others have even put me off. Back then, a completely new fragrance horizon opened up for me. I tried to approach the orientals, put my aversion to obviously and deliberately synthetic scent notes to the test, and I did not shy away from overtly animalistic fragrances.
In the background, however, even with the most delightful creations from Roja Dove, Lutens, and/or Amouage, I always had a "Yes, but...". I always missed the feeling of having arrived.

For some time now, I have been rediscovering Chypre fragrances, or rather celebrating a joyful re-sniffing of some, which is also reflected in my collection. Thus, my scent taste, after many excursions in opposite directions, is manifesting itself again in the tried and true. However, in the comments and reviews, there is hardly a more nebulous concept than the term "Chypre". From Mitsouko to Magie Noir and Paloma Picasso or Givenchy III, the spectrum stretches to - at least for my nose - light floral scents like Chypre Fatal, where the term is used. When one embarks on a search for Chypre perfumes, so many different fragrances are suggested that the result is more confusing than enlightening.

The creations of Patricia Nicolai were among the first that I took on almost 5 years ago as an entry into the world of niche fragrances that was still unexplored for me. Perhaps because I hoped to find a connection to my beloved old Guerlains through her biography and did not want to jump into cold water right away. However, I obviously overlooked Vie de Chateau Intense. In any case, the scent had previously been a completely blank slate for me. The version without "Intense" welcomed me kindly back then and was also a well-used guest in my collection for a while.

While Vie de Chateau still brought a smile to my face, my first impression of Vie de Chateau Intense was a heartfelt "Wow". The invigorating top note, green-spicy and radiant, does not stand on its own but leads into a powerful base that undoubtedly takes the lead in this fragrance. The hint of jasmine, which is listed as a heart note - thus actually as the theme - I do not recognize at all, and I do not miss the absence of flowers that would slow down the power; on the other hand, there are no rough wood notes or dominant incense that want to produce a weighty seriousness.
The caresses come not from amber or vanilla but from spicy, soft tobacco and a hay note that I would like to lie in like I did during summer vacations in the past. Delicate souls need not shy away from vetiver or pine resin, even if these notes certainly create the rather cool and unexcited mood that excites me so much.

As cumbersome as the pyramid may seem to some users, the fragrance is rounded, harmonious, and equally energizing and elegant for both him and her. I can only recommend taking a closer look at Vie de Chateau Intense when the opportunity arises. I am convinced that more than just 18 users will add the perfume to their collection. I will definitely be among them.