Roberto Cavalli Black

Olivier Cresp has a knack for balance and accord and Cavalli Black is a great example of his precision in its structural balance of aromatic, herbal, spice and typical oriental components. This stuff won't win awards for originality, the pyramid is rather standard and measured, but it's the craftsmanship here that defines this as a great addition to any wardrobe for winter. Black has a real appreciation for classical oriental fougeres like Chanel Pour Monsieur, Hermes Equipage and Salvador Dali for Men, building on the basic elements of those with more minimalistic pretensions, turning Cavalli Black into an understated and charming work that allows the individual parts to breathe and come forward in the palette as individual notes like a great bebop jazz session when all the players are given their moment for a solo. The top is incredibly herbal and spicy with the tarragon rushing forward with the coriander early before quickly being absorbed into the lavender, pepper and tonka. The balance here is outstanding, no one individual note truly dominates the whole and your nose will pick up the clean bamboo note and geranium early in its evolution and will enjoy the evolution towards musky, creamy woods and herbal aromatic that follows. Smartly avoids the typical citrus on top and goes with the bamboo instead, allowing the spices to really come forward in the blend and layer exceedingly well under the tonka and light musk. An absolutely sparkling and fluffy concoction at odds with its namesake but a heavenly fragrance in its airy manner and lightness for an oriental fougere. Longevity is generally 7-9 hours with projection somewhat subtle but always present and easily tracked by others. An extremely underrated and overlooked work of brilliance by Olivier Cresp. Works very well for late fall and winter evenings and nights and can be pulled off on winter days as well, but on more formal occasions. Scent: 8.5/10 Longevity: 8/10 Sillage: 7/10 Creativity: 7/10 Value: 8.5/10 Versatility: 6/10 (cold evenings and formal affairs). Craftsmanship: 10/10

When people ask me to suggest an affordable cologne for men for winter or night-time, this is the one I bring up. It's so well blended by Olivier Cresp and so classy and organic yet warming and original. You can smell the creamy tonka but it's so well blended that it never dominates like Armani Code. The bamboo gives Cavalli Black a lighter, less crowded feel and allows the aromatic and spicy elements to make their presence known. This one is better than Armani Code at doing what Armani Code should do. It's also more formal and sexy as well and a truly refined gentleman's fragrance that isn't the slightest pretentious but emits an air of confidence. The opening minute will transport you back to your child-hood if you played with Play-doh at all. After that it's a beautiful creamy swirl of tonka, musk and bamboo with a nice balance of aromatic notes and subtle fresh spices. Absolutely gorgeous yet simple. Longevity is good, I get around 6-8 hours usually and projection is also quite moderate and reliable. Best used as a night fragrance or cold winter days. The most under-appreciated and under-rated oriental fougere on the market. One of many great works by Cresp, a true gem.

As the reviewer Hadrian said, this is one fragrance that's hard to describe because it has different phases. On the initial spray, the lavendar intertwined with the spices allows for an aromatic yet warm and seductive opening. The opening is so warm, sensual, and confusing - smells sweet but not fruity, smoky but not with tobacco or incense. It gives me the same feeling I get when I smell John Varvatos, though they are dissimilar fragrances in many ways, they are both so warm and sensual. The bamboo and geranium, applies some freshness to the fragrance that allows it to be enjoyed throughout the entire year. The tonka bean, musk, and woods in the base maintains the warmth and sweetness in the fragrance, but it makes it so d*mn seductive. I get 6 - 7 hours with 4 sprays (2 neck, 1 chest, 1 shirt). This fragrance sits close to the skin, but its aromatic nature keeps it present throughout the day. Recommended for anyone in need of that perfect date night scent.

A very alluring and comforting scent that will satisfy not only the wearer but those in close proximity. Drydown is very very similar to CAHSE: I get a hint of Tonka bean , although not on the note pyramid. This is a casual or romantic fragrance. Not office material in my estimation. Longevity is a problem as is projection. Though, both of these shortcomings are not enough to derail this fragrance from my to buy list. That I did and am easily happy with the results. Update to previous review: My initial concern was that the longevity and projection issues would ruin this fragrance. All that anxiety was for nought as RC Black shines on an on for hours on my skin. No more than 2 sprays last several hours. The dry down is dreamily comforting and so well executed. One of my favorite lightly sweet musky/lavender scents.

This is a very sexy and appealing fragrance. Its not too far off the path from Armani Black Code (or Code), Black Sun by Salvador Dali, and other aromatic, oriental fourgeres. It smells woody (bamboo), aromatic (lavendar, geranium, and coriander), and sweet yet smoky/powdery with an oriental touch, which comes from the brilliant use of tonka bean in the base. Fantastic job, Monsieur Cresp! Oh, and the longevity is definitely an issue with Cavalli fragrances, but this one far outshines its brothers. I sprayed only twice yet I can smell this on me fairly easily 9hrs after application. The trick is one spray on your shirt and one on neck. Recommended!