Belle De Rauch

This is a heavenly green floral chypre in the best vintage tradition: rich, complex and perfectly balanced. Bergamot, neroli, mandarin and galbanum provide a crisp presence in the topnotes, and a harmony of white flowers join the vivid, fresh jasmine at centre stage: lily of the valley, to my nose (I've yet to find a full account of Belle online), honeysuckle and orange blossom. Oakmoss, orris root, vetiver, creamy sandalwood and a touch of labdanum anchor the base. It smells as though it were bottled yesterday.

Green, green, green. It's so green and sharp that at first it smelled like pure leather. My bottle is an old 15 ml that arrived sealed with membrane and string in the original box. I had to unstick the stopper as well. It is likely quite fresh for something so old and rare. I'm not sure about it though. So so green. On fabric it smells similar to Weil de Weil or Vent Vert to me. On skin, something warm and woody comes out. According to the notes, it seems to be sandalwood, but it is not particularly loud. I will have to try this again in autumn, because here in central Texas, that is when we get cool breezes that might complement this structure. I think every other time of year will be too hot and humid.

This is what Chanel No 5 SHOULD be like to be the top seller or whatever it is. This perfume is just gorgeous. Miss Dior with Cristalle, No 19, Diorissimo, that genre of green gorgeousness. My bottle is 60 years old or so opened and exposed to light and heat and STILL GORGEOUS, fresh. I totally suggest this perfume to anyone.