5
Very helpful Review
Different versions
I am an unconditional fan of the aroma of “Immortelles”. Not because the Greeks used it to crown images and statues of Apollo since the plant symbolized love. But first for the beautiful and unforgettable olfactory memories that I associate with it.
When in the late afternoons in summer I returned from the beach along the dunes of the Alentejo coast, in front of the pessegueiro island (Porto Covo - Portugal), I was blessed by a warm breeze that carried the comforting smell, at the same time spicy and relaxing, of “Immortelles” with small golden yellow flowers.
As a result, I have been a fan since the first hour of “Sables” by Annick Goutal, released in 1985. Probably the first fragrance in history in which everlasting flowers took center stage.
The great reference among fragrances centered on “immortelles” or “everlasting flowers” that was conceived as a declaration of love from Annick to her husband (Alain Meunier) trying to reproduce the sublime atmosphere of the days spent in Corsica during the summer. I still have a bottle of the 2nd reformulation.
Without a doubt the original Sables from 1985, with a very interesting refreshing black tea note (which disappeared in later versions) is much better than the 3 subsequent versions. Super dry, curry-like, a little bit creamy and sweet. Overpowering. A masterpiece and perhaps the brand's best fragrance ever.
Rating 10.
The 2nd version is powerful and masculine and also very good but more “earthy”, drier, hot and wild. Like the previous version, it has fantastic projection and sillage. A true Simum of the desert.
Rating: 9.
The latest version (I think it's the 4th reformulation) is lighter and with a slightly citrusy opening. More wearable, less intense and without the masculine splendor of the first 2 editions. However, the current Sables remains interesting and has a recognizable personality.
Rating: 7
Comparing the notes between the 1st and the last one better understands the reasons for the differences.
Notes from the 1st edition (1985):
Top notes: Immortelle and Cinnamon
Middle notes: Black pepper and Black tea
Base notes: Sandalwood and Amber.
Notes from the last and current edition:
To notes: Bergamot, Mandarine
Middle notes: Jasmine, Black pepper, Oakmoss
Base notes: Immortelle Sauvage, Santal d'Inde, Ambre
When in the late afternoons in summer I returned from the beach along the dunes of the Alentejo coast, in front of the pessegueiro island (Porto Covo - Portugal), I was blessed by a warm breeze that carried the comforting smell, at the same time spicy and relaxing, of “Immortelles” with small golden yellow flowers.
As a result, I have been a fan since the first hour of “Sables” by Annick Goutal, released in 1985. Probably the first fragrance in history in which everlasting flowers took center stage.
The great reference among fragrances centered on “immortelles” or “everlasting flowers” that was conceived as a declaration of love from Annick to her husband (Alain Meunier) trying to reproduce the sublime atmosphere of the days spent in Corsica during the summer. I still have a bottle of the 2nd reformulation.
Without a doubt the original Sables from 1985, with a very interesting refreshing black tea note (which disappeared in later versions) is much better than the 3 subsequent versions. Super dry, curry-like, a little bit creamy and sweet. Overpowering. A masterpiece and perhaps the brand's best fragrance ever.
Rating 10.
The 2nd version is powerful and masculine and also very good but more “earthy”, drier, hot and wild. Like the previous version, it has fantastic projection and sillage. A true Simum of the desert.
Rating: 9.
The latest version (I think it's the 4th reformulation) is lighter and with a slightly citrusy opening. More wearable, less intense and without the masculine splendor of the first 2 editions. However, the current Sables remains interesting and has a recognizable personality.
Rating: 7
Comparing the notes between the 1st and the last one better understands the reasons for the differences.
Notes from the 1st edition (1985):
Top notes: Immortelle and Cinnamon
Middle notes: Black pepper and Black tea
Base notes: Sandalwood and Amber.
Notes from the last and current edition:
To notes: Bergamot, Mandarine
Middle notes: Jasmine, Black pepper, Oakmoss
Base notes: Immortelle Sauvage, Santal d'Inde, Ambre
2 Comments
SixAmbregris 1 year ago
Oh, what a great review! I've been wondering how Sables was doing these days and if it was still worth pursuing. Your detailed and concrete comparison is super useful, it's really giving a good image of what each version must smell like. Thumbs up and thank you!
VTrancoso 1 year ago
Much appreciated. Thank you.