LP No. 9 (1998)
by Penhaligon's

Not quite sure if the classification fits, but this fragrance strikes me as a feminine take on the classic fougère accord. The top notes are clearly detectable but blend nicely, the lavender taking a slight back seat to the lemon and tarragon, the latter lending its herbal tinge to the heart as the powdery floral notes emerge in the drydown. The florals remind me of rose talc with a dash of clove and jasmine. The base is softly vanillic and a little creamy.

The sillage is quite low, but this is very persistent on my skin.

This resembles the LP No. 9 for men in its emphasis on warm woods, but differs in its intensity, being a softer, rounder version of the other. The ingredients of both have only one in common - vanilla. The other ingredients mentioned on the Penhaligon's web site are: tarragon, lavender, lemon (which do give off a pungent and interesting herbal note upon first application); followed by carnation, cedar, spice and the aforementioned vanilla.

My nose detects only the cedar, spice and vanilla - this is a more sensual version than that for men, but it is not feminine in the least. If anything this would be more fascinating on a man than the male version of the LP #9.

A very pleasant scent, but not outstanding.

Suave. LP No. 9 flows into being rather than 'opens.' Smooth, not sharp, citrus opening – somewhat opulent, deep and mellow — I find no individual note taking precedent over another — simply an excellent, sophisticated, unified accord. Then, just as smoothly, the heart notes begin to take over from the citruses, and I find myself savoring its mixed spice / herb accord. I can somewhat understand that there is cinnamon and clove and nutmeg in the accord, but again, the composite is presented as a unified and sophisticated package — and that’s what is delivered with grace and elegance. When the warm wood tones of the base move in, the spices simply move over and make room for them—they don’t disappear but rather establish a sophisticated contrast of opposites that interplay with each other’s complementary nature. I must admit that I don’t smell what several of the other reviewers experience. I don’t find an excess of notes – rather I find a counterpointal symphony. I don’t find an excess of clove (a note I am usually oversensivtive to). I also don’t find Love Potion Number Nine so much sensual as graceful, elegant, and sophisticated.

A faint floral offering that failed to hold my attention for even 10 seconds. As much as I have my reservations for the men’s version, it comes across as a more superior creation than it really is when compared to this lame offering.