Cerruti 1881 Collection

I once had a bottle of 1881 Collection and did detect the grapes (that aren't listed for voting on Fragrantica at the moment). In fact, they were the defining note for me. They made the perfume feel like wine, but it didn't smell alcoholic. Hard to explain, but those grapes are elegant and not like grape flavoured bubblegum. I didn't know about the other notes back then, and my bottle is empty for years, so I can only sniff the sprayer and remember, and not analyze the perfume in depth. It makes sense to read there are olive leaf and cypress, though. Some uncommon notes. I found this perfume floral and oriental in feel, feminine and classy, but not heavy or very sweet. Even though I wore it in my late teens I don't think it's a typical teen fragrance at all. 1881 Collection also has not much to do with the original 1881 (which I find boring). Kind of sad this got discontinued, it was very wearable but not boring or ordinary.

I miss this fragrance. I was working for a perfume shop in 2005 when this fragrance came out. It didn't get much attention because of all the popular brand name fragrances like Chanel and Dior that woman were coming in and asking for, but I really loved to show this one because it was so different and unique. I didn't know it at the time, but It was created by two of my now favorite perfumers, Yann Vasnier and Rodrigo Flores-Roux during their earlier days of fragrance making. The fragrance could have been worn by men, and maybe that's why women didn't seem to like it much. It did have grapes in the formula, which is what kept it more feminine-leaning. With today's market, they could re-release it as a masculine and probably be a best seller, Lol.

I was looking for a light summery scent and was intrigued by the composition of this one. It's unlike any I've had, and I like it very much. It DOES smell like the sunny mediterranean, fresh and breezy when it opens. The olive component is an unusual touch but it works; grapefruit instead of the expected lemon is really nice! The drydown is really lovely for those who are drawn to scent of evergreens and patchouli. (On me, the patchouli is subtle.) I think it's a refreshing choice for warmer weather, and unusual enough to make it a stand-out. Two thumbs up. After numerous wearings, I am delighted to report that it has great longevity--a rarity in citrusy, fresh fragrances. A great addition to my summer wardrobe.

It is an oriental smooth fragrance with a woody dry-down that is sensuous and warm. It is so well balanced that it can be worn in daytime as well as in the evening - I dare say it is a good chameleon scent. It really smells classy.

It's definitely different than anything else I've bought (RL Pure Turqoise, JC Couture Couture, TM Innocent Illusion, PH Original, Salvatore Ferragamo Pour Femme, or Versace Versense). I'm new to floral orientals. Any suggestions?