XJ 1861 Zefiro

I initially thought this perfume was too woody, but upon further exploration, the dry down reveals a softer, creamier quality that has me enthralled.

It appears that this perfume features a rich tapestry of notes, yet it surprisingly wears well due to its complex composition. Initially, I'm struck by the prominent presence of cardamom and cinnamon, which are soon joined by the lovely scent of iris. The middle notes unfold with an sweet undertone courtesy of the amber-honey combination, before gradually settling into a woody-smoky base that evokes the essence of an Oriental fragrance, perfect for chilly winter days.

Breathtaking aroma, to put it simply. It skews towards a gourmand fragrance, yet it's neither overpowering nor cloying. My girlfriend adores how it smells on me and accurately describes its wonderful cinnamon and cardamom notes as undeniably pleasant, making one crave being close to the wearer.

My initial exposure to Xerjoff was through their Naxos fragrance, which led me to purchase a full bottle. Since then, I've tried over 30 of their scents and the majority have been impressive. Their craftsmanship is unparalleled and unmatched. Many of my favorite fragrances come from this brand. However, I somehow overlooked Zefiro for over two years. It's only recently that I discovered it through a 5ml sample. If I had known about this perfume earlier, I probably wouldn't have sampled so many others in search of the perfect scent because this is it – my holy grail fragrance. Zefiro is a masterpiece. I'm addicted to its smell and find myself constantly sniffing it like an addict. It's as if I'd want to live surrounded by this aroma always. The beautiful spices and depth are exquisite. What is it about Zefiro that makes it so extraordinary? Is it just the straightforward recognition of "that smells like wine" or "those flowers at my grandmother's"? What role does artemisia play in its composition? I'm clueless, but the combination of these ingredients has created a scent that almost brought tears to my eyes. The incense and cardamom notes are discernible, yet they're expertly blended so that no single component stands out. Zefiro is truly wonderful from every angle.

I have a deep fondness for scents featuring amber, and Zefiro exemplifies this affinity perfectly. It exudes an air of opulence and refinement. Unlike many blends where amber tends to overpower other notes, Zefiro achieves a perfect balance without overwhelming the senses. The warm, spicy undertone seamlessly harmonizes with the amber, crafting a rich, golden melody. Additionally, a subtle smoky nuance lends an air of mystique, further elevating the fragrance's overall sophistication.