Launched in 2014, 44°N 03°E - Mystic Violet Hills is one of five debut fragrances from Swiss niche perfume house Richard Lüscher Britos Terroir Perfumes. Their perfumes are solely composed of natural components and tell stories of unique “Terroirs.”

The numbers in the name, 44°N 03°E Mystic Violet Hills, are the co-ordinates for the Causse Méjean, a limestone plateau in the Lozère area of southern France. The Causse Méjean is a barren, lunar landscape, but its conditions are perfect for growing wild lavender. Juniper grows there too, and so does black pine, which cover the Eastern part of the plate. Wild sheep feed on the lavender, which is harvested by women. This fragrance was inspired by everyday life on the plateau – the lavender, the juniper, the pines, the sheep, the workers breaking for lunch, talking, gossiping, sharing and enjoying marron glacé, the candied chestnuts so popular in the south of France.

It opens with a note of fresh, bright lemon followed by lavender - fresh, herbal, fruity and floral – it’s stunning. As it blooms, juniper and pine come forward and join the lavender, their piny/camphorous aspects blending with it but amplifying it too. Labdanum adds depth and a leathery note that adds a little fauna to all the flora. After a while, it smells dirty and wild and really, really good. Chestnuts and vanilla at the base sweetened it up just enough.

The drydown is herbal, floral, resinous and slightly sweet. The very first time I wore it, I realised I was experiencing something special that would become a new fave.

Notes: Lemon, wild mountain lavender, pine, juniper, labdanum, chestnut, vanilla.