Minotaure by Paloma Picasso

This is a 1992 Fougiental that doesn't seem to garnish much attention. It also defies conventional categorization, but that's such a small matter. What matters is if it smells good or not.

Well, it just so happens that it does smell good. The first thing that comes to my mind when experiencing the opening of Minotaure is how similar it is to quite a few modern releases. A little generic perhaps, but I think that's due to a pronounced fruit note at the core of this scent.

Muguet in the heart supplies a roundness and softening of not only the galbanum, but of the floral accord as well. Minotaure only hints at green, but never fully commits. The fruit notes ensure this and the residual florals of rose and geranium have only bit parts at best. A subtle woody accord ushers in the basenotes with amber and tonka keeping it fresh and semi-sweet. The transitions are smooth and the drydown also gives up a smidgeon of musk. Minotaure could be released today and wouldn't raise an eyebrow.

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