Countdown day 7

Day 7 of our Christmas Fragrances brings us the first in our list from the great master Bertrand Duchafour. I left the house this morning at 6 am, it was dark and raining. There was a smell of rotting waste coming from someones garden, my nose and other organs, were not happy. I knew straight away which fragrance I wanted to tell you about and cursed myself for not wearing it today. Timbuktu (2004) is from the wonderful house of L'Artisan Parfumeur, and is one of my absolute favourites. It is just what you need to transport you out of the cold and grey mornings and into a glowing olfactory paradise. We open with a beautiful and inviting quartet of Berries, Mango and Cardamom and a dash of Pink Pepper. It is an instant heady rush of notes to make you smile. The mango in particular, brings a feeling of full bodied flavour yet with lightness and light. There is a sense of playfulness here too, nothing too serious, just beauty and invitation. In the middle we are joined by a stunning and delicate Frankincense, and a dusty Papyrus Wood. These two bring a glorious sense of energy to the fragrance, it enables it to hover rather than sit. I cant explain it, yet it seems to be the case that it gives the fragrance little wings. Joining this duo is a flower known as Karo - Karounde, which produces a scent similar to Jasmine, though woodier and more herbacious. It is considered something of an Aphrodisiac in parts of Africa. It provides an almost overripe fruit aspect here which is delicious and joins forces with the Mango and Berries in the top to provide a smooth transition through its opening stages. The base is really all about the Vetiver for me, it is a beautiful grassy green Vetiver and reaches a hand up to the Frankincense to provide a magical yet delicate smoky effect. Not the smoke of Lonestar Memories, rather a gentle incense infused with Fruits and shy woods. The base also has depth provided by our trusty companions Patchouli, Benzoin and Myrrh. These are again lighter and more translucent examples , in no way the rich and heavy oriental base of some fragrances, rather they sing in happy harmony with the perfect pyramid of top and middle notes. This is for me, a perfect fragrance. There is not one thing out of place, it all combines to not only create a magical smell, but it is so brilliantly conceived that it radiates warmth and seems to glow, the longer you wear it. It also does that amazing trick of being a fresh and fruity and sunny smell in one moment, and in the next is an earthy, grassy and secretive character. I would heartily recommend that you try this, it is so beautiful and interesting, and will save you the cost of a plane ticket. Be sure to get the version pictured, the new reformulation doesn't compare. There are loads to be found on Ebay and online. Shut your eyes and go wherever this wants to take you.

Happy smelling. J xxx