Tenere by Paco Rabanne

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Bergamot, Cassia, Grapefruit, Green note, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary.
Anise, Artemesia, Carnation, Cinnamon, Honey, Jasmine, Muguet, Orris root, Rose, Tarragon.
Amber, Cedar, Leather, Musk, Patchouli, Vetiver.

Apparently, I have a love-hate relationship with Tenere due to the initial salutation of this 1988 floral masculine. In every wearing, it smells as though the implemented notes are ill matched. This is only in the opening however and the remainder of the scent does become comfortable.


The grapefruit note is at least partially responsible for the mismatched quality I get. It seems that it goes against the grain and because Tenere is a substantial fragrance, it feels magnified for the time it lasts. It's a challenging opening accord, but there are those who may find this an amazing contrast.

The citric top is tart and thick. The grapefruit jostles with lavender and spice. It's here where the discordancy lies for me, but I know Tenere intimately enough that to endure this stage is to win. Within 10 minutes, the sillage tempers and a herbaceous element unveils itself. It tilts green and also has what smells like berries on the vine.

The heart of Tenere is a full bodied affair. The soft backdrop of muguet is a nice setting for the duo of anise and tarragon. They contribute a subtle, sweet licorice aroma. Artemesia has been evident soon after the opening and prospers from the oncoming floral array. Carnation, Jasmin, Lily and resin accentuate not only the herbal aspect, but there's the continuation of soft, dry spice to go along with it.

If there is a chink in the armor, it would be the base. It doesn't have an easy time unraveling from under the weight of the previous accords. The initial two stages have lowered their presence just enough for it to be noticed.

An earthiness comprises the base and drydown of Tenere. There's still a trace of resin yet never have I received a woody vibe in my wearings. There's still remnants of the heart accord and together, these take Tenere through its final paces.

Sillage is good and longevity is about 5 hours before I entertain thoughts of reapplication. A sample wear is recommended due to the opening volley.

Thumbs up from Aromi for Paco Rabanne's Tenere.



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