Racine

Review for the discontinued EDT (red bottle): A spicy citrus/aromatic, where citrus, florals and moss are the undisputed stars of the show, then a (stunning) dry hay-ish vetiver - and citric at the same time - will take the lead, but only in the drydown, accompanied by a delightful sandalwood accord. In the top, it plays in the same ballpark as vintage Monsieur Balmain, Armani Eau pour Homme, Hermes vintage Eau de Cologne, Homme de Gres, vintage Guerlain Vetiver and so on... In the base, the best comparison would be Lush Smuggler's Soul, when the vetiver combines with the dry woods (but Lush SS is only that, without the citrus/aromatic opening, which is a show by itself). But where it standouts compared to any of those, it's the unequaled refinment and quality of MPG. Had I to own just one in the previous list, this would be it. And the little ~$60 I paid for this one at their store when offered on sale only add to the pleasure! Another masterpiece from MPG. Classicism made to perfection. Spring/Summer, 30+ Side notes: The accurate pyramid for the current EDP is: Head Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Blackcurrant buds Heart Notes: Lavender, Vetiver, Jasmine Base Notes: Oak moss, Sandalwood This pyramid is very accurate to what I got when I tested the EDP in store, both in terms of notes and order in which I get them. And this is also very accurate to what I get from my EDT, making me think that the difference (if any) between EDT vs EDP, is only the concentration, but that there has probably been no reformulation.

How can I be the first to review this? Well, quite simply, this is one of the finest citrus and vetiver blends. The citrus holds for a long time but finally recedes and lets a very beautiful, green and clean but not insubstantial vetiver shine. Like all of the MPG's, this one smells very natural. Yes, there is a bit of white musk in the base, but it is there to simply give lift to the vetiver and sweeten it ever so slightly. Unlike a lot of the scents by MPG, however, Racine is not particularly challenging. It is simply a wonderful and easy to wear creation, and puts many of the more popular vetivers, such as the (how many times now?) reformulated Guerlain Vetiver to shame. That this scent isn't better known is almost criminal!

Old school and what quality! To be worn as an eau de cologne, but with more depth and much longer lasting......vetiver, grapefruit and oakmoss are key players in this effervescent, lively scent, with just a hint of lavender, jasmine and sandalwood to add oppulance and shimmer. The overall impression though is extremely briney and mineral, there’s nothing sweet about this fragrance.....Trés French, trés beau and indeed, it will put a smile on your face. Signature material, as it is original and classy, and wearable on any occasion.

This to my nose is a VERY enjoyable quality fragrance. Beautiful potent realistic citrus opening, very fresh and invigorating. Almost a mood changer ! At the beginning the citrus dominates over the vetiver but as time passes the opposite happens. At drydown the citrus notes are still there but the earthy nature of the vetiver is more prominent. The perfume turns "earthy wet", thicker, more woody and mossy. At random instances it reminds me of Chanel's Pour Monsieur, sharing the same "old school" hesperidic vibe. Racine has got pretty impressive longevity for a citrus fragrance with decent sillage. Clean & fresh. 7.5/10

The top is a smooth camphorous citrus. It is not a bright citrus. Then it starts a slow transition into a suprisingly deep woody, earthy and rooty mid and base. This is vetiver done the way it should be. This could be worn in any season. I thought it would be a spring and summer scent but it fits right into winter also because of the mid and base. The musk gives it a sensual character that begins in the middle phase.