Patchouli Leaves by Montale

The previous review nailed it: patchouli almost talc-like from a distance, but earthy and wet close to the skin. I bought it blind from CURLY FRAGRANCE and regretted it during the first two sprays. But I learned that niche scents need time to reveal themselves. At first, it smells strongly of earth, then evolves into something ambered, sweet without being cloying, chocolatey, and woody. It’s a masculine aroma. The trail and longevity are brutal, with no dry-down.

Earthy, balsamic, and sweet with vanilla that smells more like chocolate. It’s a contradictory world that fits perfectly, an exclusive niche for special noses. I’d never recommend buying blind, but I’m a bit of a snob and it has won me over. The dry-down is impeccable: patchouli almost talc-like from afar, earthy and wet up close. I visualize a wet wooden box with crushed patchouli plants, earth, vanilla, and chocolate. A unique and exceptional scent.

I like it. Starts with an earthy patchouli well-balanced with the sweetness of vanilla and amber. The labdanum gives it a resinous character, and there’s a hint of musk. The patchouli loses its edge and becomes creamier as the vanilla takes over. There’s a slight chocolate reminiscence. It’s a kinder patchouli than Mazzolari’s, which I tried; I preferred the opening of this one and the dry-down of the other. Performance is good, like most Montales. For fall, winter, and night. Very long-lasting with a heavy trail.

Another Montale Patchouli Leaves: I’d define it more as ambered than woody. It’s simple, a predominantly musky and resinous work. The labdanum smells like ambergris and resin. The patchouli is noticeable in the background, not the heart. When you move your wrist away from your nose, the patchouli blends with the musk and labdanum. It’s linear, a clean patchouli, not dirty like Serge Lutens’. The musk is balanced and wearable. The patchouli is sweet and a bit boring, but together they make a great combination. The vanilla is more of a fixative than an aromatic note. Not very original, but very wearable if you like musky and resinous fragrances. It confuses me a bit, but for others it must be incredible. I bought it on this fragrance route because I believe patchouli is worth wearing always, even if it’s not very versatile.

I discovered this perfume through a gifted sample. It’s a very nice patchouli, very clear, feeling sweet, herbal, and slightly earthy. I also detect the amber that adds warmth, while the vanilla is very soft in Patchouli Leaves. The star is the patchouli, and I love the elegant, subtle, and clean way it’s handled. A very unisex perfume, linear but beautiful—truly beautiful. Ideal for winter or night use, with that sensual touch. Sillage and longevity are very good.

The patchouli note is dominant but not sharp. Not soft either; it’s intense, deep, and very pleasant. Longevity is very long, and the sillage too. It should delight patchouli lovers.

I agree with the previous one: the opening smells of patchouli, but dries down to an alcoholic amber and vanilla. It’s a simple perfume, but well-made and pleasant, at least for those who like patchouli. Longevity is very good, perhaps a bit less than usual for Montale, but more than enough. Projection is also very good. What climate? Definitely cold. Unisex and recommended.

Smells like patchouli with an amber touch and a nice alcoholic kick. A really good perfume.