Coriolan by Guerlain

Bergamot, Lemon Leaves, Neroli, Sage, Citrus.
Ginger, Juniper, Nutmeg, Ylang-Ylang, Wormwood, Sandalwood, Basil, Pepper, Coriander.
Patchouli, Vetiver, Benzoin, Leather, Oakmoss.

Coriolan is named after a Roman General who lived in the 5th century before Christ. Coriolan, the fragrance, to me at least is a tale of 2 scents and it's perfectly fitting, since the ancient General had 2 important chapters in his life. One as a hero who was then exiled. The next commanding enemies of Rome to besiege the city. I wouldn't go so far to say that Coriolan performs, on my skin, like a schizophrenic fragrance, but I do find it a bit disjointed.

I was under the incorrect impression, before ever wearing Coriolan, that it would be akin to Derby or at least share some continuity with it. As it happens, I find these 2 completely and utterly different in every way. Coriolan opens with a bracing and sharp citrus accented with spices and herbs. It's good mind you, but in an old school fashion and aficionados of contemporary scents may be taken by surprise by its classic nature.

Where most Guerlain's are smooth, placid or flowing, Coriolan is rugged, staccato and masculine. It's not brutish, but had I smelled this blind, I would've never credited this to the house of Guerlain. The citrus, herbs and spices are balanced as good as you would expect them to be. The slightly jagged opening and heart give way to more earth tones in the base and beyond, yet these are of a more comfortable nature and seem like different personalities. Maybe it's in keeping with the theme or perhaps I am clueless to what the actual goal was in creating Coriolan. Regardless, this masculine is as good or better as others in its genre and time period, yet never got off the ground.

Sillage is acceptable or perhaps better, but isn't loaded with presence. Longevity seems to be a tad thin at 3 hours, but lingers a few more as a pleasant skin scent. Thumbs up from Aromi for Guerlain's unsung Coriolan and a very strong suggestion to sample before purchase.