The opening is bright and sharp, with bergamot dominating almost immediately, though the grapefruit does push through with a dry citrus bitterness that keeps it interesting. The floral heart is harder to decode. I could sense something floral and slightly dark beneath the citrus, but not clearly as rose. At moments it almost feels closer to wet soil, roots, or even a vetiver-like earthiness rather than a recognisable flower accord.
Where the fragrance really settles is in the core and base. The patchouli and sandalwood become much more apparent over time, giving it an earthy, grounded warmth with a soft resinous depth from the labdanum and vanilla. This is not a fragrance that reveals itself in one wearing. You have to cycle through it a few times before the structure starts making sense.
Definitely not for everyone, but there is something distinctive and memorable about it.
