Lankaran Forest by Maria Candida Gentile

*****
Year: 2016

Notes: petitgrain, bitter orange, fruits, ginger, Lankaran tea, leaves, white flowers, lichen, sandalwood, sacred woods accord
Lankaran Forest was first commissioned as a bespoke fragrance, for the 2nd Buta Festival of Azerbaijani Arts, in 2015. Inspired by the Lankaran Forest region of Azerbaijan, as well as the nearby citrus and tea plantations, it was originally presented both as an Eau de Toilette and parfum extrait, in exquisite Lalique bottles. Now, as an Eau de Parfum, this woody-aromatic has been added to Maria's standard line.

Contrary to the name, it doesn't even come close to being a woody-green extravaganza. Instead, one discerns a citrus sorbet zestiness, some smoky tea and ginger, and a mild woody undertow. With gentle fruity flourishes and a delicate white floral heart, there's also a saline nuance running throughout the composition. As it evolves, the accords become more interwoven, with the citrus eventually tailing off and a spicy woody-musk foundation steadily increasing its stature.

With moderate sillage and below average tenacity, although Lankaran Forest doesn't completely bowl one over, it's still Maria's most appealing creation since 2013's Noir Tropical. However, its performance on the skin tends to be a major issue and this is reflected in the rating.


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