Winter Palace by Memo Paris

What a surprise with Winter Palace… Maybe the name made me expect something darker, but the moment it hit my skin, it was pure joy. Such a beautiful fragrance. The opening isn’t my favorite part—it’s a sparkling burst of citrus and tea, a bold statement. But once it dries down, it’s so much better: sweet resins emerge that blend perfectly with the mix. It’s a fresh-warm contrast that’s hard to explain. You have to try it; I absolutely loved it. In short: Unisex, though it leans masculine for me. Very versatile, extra versatile, though it shines in warm weather and works for any occasion. Scent: 9, Longevity: 7, Sillage: 7.5, Price: 225 Euros/100ml.

I love perfumes with tea notes, and Winter Palace seems to remind me that tea isn’t just flavor and warmth, but an entire atmosphere that can be as different, sometimes invigorating, sometimes relaxing. It smells like a winter morning when the frost sparkles like champagne bubbles and the sun plays with golden reflections, barely touching the horizon. The aroma opens with a revitalizing burst of bergamot and orange, capable of waking you up faster than any alarm. But then the black tea accord appears. Its smoky, enveloping warmth creates that perfect balance: fresh yet cozy, vibrant yet soft. In the background, the woody amber leaves a subtle trail, reminding you that winter isn’t just cold, but also a collection of special moments that make us feel alive. For me, this is more than a perfume: it’s a small ritual. A couple of sprays, a sip of tea, winter.

Winter Palace: Opening: A very aromatic citrus opening, lemon skin. Heart: That citrus opening fuses with a delicious black tea. Dry Down: Its final dry down is black tea with a slight citrus touch, followed by balsamic touches of tolu (though very soft), musk, and tonka bean. Projection and Longevity: Its projection is about 3 hours, its longevity sits around 8 hours. Conclusion: A fragrance based on black tea, something earthy and bitter (simply delicious), and citrus softened by resins and musk. It’s a fragrance with somewhat weak projection (better used in warm weather), but with a very singular and pleasant aroma that induces meditation and rest. It’s one of those scents that never disappoints, tremendously versatile for any moment and place. Its only drawback is that that black tea note isn’t more intense and that its projection isn’t a bit more potent, especially considering its high price.

On my skin, it opens sweet, citrusy, and balsamic, like an extra-sugared orange syrup from when I was a child. As it develops, the bitterness of tea and yerba mate appears alongside bitter orange and a touch of tolu balsam. As it settles, the balsamic fades and the perfume becomes more talcum-like, highlighting the vanilla and benzoin without losing the opening completely. At the end, the tonka gives it a nighttime touch. The projection is good for the first two hours and then stays skin-close for another five. I think it’s pretty, interesting, and feminine, ideal for temperate or cold climates in informal or office occasions. It has a unique scent that doesn’t smell like anything mass-market, which gives it points to be a signature. However, the opening doesn’t kill me and it seems a bit pricey for the longevity. Pleasant: 6/10 Interesting: 8/10 Versatile: 6/10 Original: 9/10

This perfume conveys relaxation and warmth: the embrace of a family member, a gathering, or a moment of introspection with a cup of black tea in this ‘Winter Palace’ of Memo Paris. The opening is citrusy with grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, and orange, which could confuse you thinking it’s fresh, but nothing could be further from the truth. A few minutes later, the black tea, tolu balsam, and yerba mate provide that just-right herbal bitterness, imagining yourself with a steaming cup at home. Then, the tea fades to leave a creamy vanilla, slightly talcum-like, with a marzipan aftertaste, which transports me to autumn afternoons at my grandmother’s house. Finally, the vanilla and edible touches give way to tonka, myrrh, amber, and balsamic qualities. Instead of that cold opulence the bottle suggests, it offers a close, cozy elegance that invites reflection.

It’s too delicious; it’s hard for anyone to dislike this rich fruity tea, citrusy, and long-lasting. The first time I tried it, I thought it was ideal for all year round, although its name ‘Winter Palace’ doesn’t quite fit, as I find it suitable for any season. I find it more appropriate for the day than for the night. It’s sweet, with almond undertones, citrusy, and to a certain extent ‘red’, as if it carried berries. Although the notes suggest something balsamic, heavy, and wintry, the reality is comfortable, and I feel it as an energetic booster. It’s aromatherapy in all its glory. I loved it and I’m curious to try more from this niche brand. Note: *Excellent* 👍🏼