Charles Jourdan Un Homme

Anise, Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Tarragon.
Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Geranium, Jasmine, Patchouli.
Amber, Leather, Moss, Musk, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean.

This 1980 creation fetches some pretty fair prices on the bay. Over the years, I have had numerous bottles of it in splash, spray and concentrate. I systematically sold them all, then picked up a 100ml spray about 6 months ago with a low-ball bid. I didn't think I'd win, but placed the bid anyway just in case folks were unawares that day. There were and I won a terrific masculine for peanuts.

Charles Jourdan Un Homme is a study in classic lavender-floral construction. It's essence is soapy lavender accented by carnation and geranium. These are the mainstays of Un Homme with the others accounted as a supporting cast.

This is a clean smelling masculine that may or may not be too mature for those under 30 years old. I'm not referring to it as dated, but the aroma will no doubt be associated with a different time and place. Let's just say it is a mature scent and that reference is said with good intentions.

Un Homme opens with a spicy citrus accord influenced by lavender, subtle green herb and a hint of licorice.

This is a very competent introduction and after enjoying it for about 5 minutes, the carnation and geranium begin rising from the heart. The anise and Tarragon subside completely on me, but the marjoram remains.

The lavender begins to assert itself during the middle transition and evolves into a soapy rendition. This clean aura permeates the entire composition. It remains a clear accord and never becomes caustic as some have a tendency to do. It's very nice and smells appropriate for almost any venue. It's too accommodating not to be.

Extended drydown affords very mild hints of moss, leather and wood tones. Un Homme never succumbs to them and stays true to the lavender-floral theme until the end. Sillage is average and longevity is about 5 hours on me. Thumbs up from Aromi for Charles Jourdan's classic Un Homme.