Launched in 2011 as part of Dior’s prestigious La Collection Privée line, Patchouli Impérial is that rare thing – a refined, elegant patchouli scent.

On me, it opens with a note of earthy, herbal and camphourous patchouli along with zesty, bitter bergamot sweetened with juicy mandarin orange. They’re joined by coriander. At first, its peppery piquancy is sharpened with the bergamot and orange. But as it settles, the coriander gets woody and resinous and calls forward a note of patchouli that’s heady and narcotic. But here’s the exciting part: the harshness is smoothed. It’s not less dirty, pungent, or softer, just more refined and mesmerizing. The sandalwood at the base is creamy, sweet and warm – the perfect support for the patchouli.

The drydown is a rich, warm patchouli that is animalic yet with an elegance that makes it patrician.

I love wearing and smelling Patchouli Impérial, and its elegance means it can be worn any time of year.

Notes: bergamot, mandarin orange, coriander, Indonesian patchouli, sandalwood.