by Francesca Bianchi
Libertine Neroli by Francesca Bianchi presents a dense, vintage-inspired chypre with prominent amber, oakmoss, and labdanum underpinnings, creating a deeply earthy, resinous foundation. While the opening features bergamot and petitgrain offering a buoyant citrus freshness, the neroli note is subdued and quickly overshadowed by woody, animalic, and leathery accords. The scent evolves into a creamy, soft, and slightly sweet composition with faint traces of iris and geranium, leaning more toward a modern take on floral leather than a bright, sparkling neroli. It's long-lasting and carries a moderate to strong sillage, with a mature, sophisticated character that suits evening wear and cooler seasons, though some find it overly reminiscent of furniture polish or outdated feminine perfumes. Its strength lies in its depth and vintage complexity, making it ideal for those who appreciate bold, chypre-leaning fragrances with a provocative, mature character, but may alienate those seeking a crisp, floral-forward neroli experience.