Reviews of Chevalier d'Orsay (1911)
by D'Orsay

Masterfully elegant opening like a even more refined Homme de Gres with a dry woody citrus. A wonderful alternative to Homme de Gres since that's been discontinued and Chevalier d'Orsay's been re-introduced. Chevalier d'Orsay is very suitable for an evening for a mature wearer but light enough for daily wear.

I have revised my review. In the earlier note, I was working off a sample, and talked impressionistically of "burnished gold tones." Now I have a bottle, and a different take. Chevalier has a beautiful citrus-spice-herb opening. It is a complex scent, with so many ingredients. The middle is a dusty sort of spice, light and airy. The middle is not sweet, but there are florals and a restrained sort of powdery aspect. The base has pine and a dry incense note. The base is very dry and airy: cool, aloof, very intriguing. This is dry and light enough to wear during the day. It is interesting and complex with character, so it is also suitable for evening wear.

Chevalier opens with a marvelous blend of citrus, herbs, and lavender that soon makes room for very airy floral notes. The persistent herbal accord keeps the flowers from getting either stuffy or too sweet, and as some subtle spice emerges Chevalier’s heart falls into perfect balance. The base of moss, amber, and wood is firm, yet light and clear, leaving the entire composition exquisitely poised and elegant. A cool, subtle pine note plays throughout, leaving an impression of aloof nobility.

True to its name, Chevalier is sophisticated and refined. It’s complex enough to hold interest, and confident enough that it never needs to shout. As foetidus points out, it’s also highly versatile, and would make a great scent for those who want to keep a limited wardrobe. The lasting power is quite reasonable, thanks to the lingering pine and amber in the base, and the moderate projection is just enough to be noticed but never offend – a truly well composed and well executed scent.

The opening of lemony mint is light and elevating - sort of refreshing. Then, an amazing evolution of fragrance occurs through a voyage of notes that goes from light to sweet spice warmth and into an ethereal forest of basenotes. The spicy carnation plus nutmeg and neroli make for a warm and enveloping middle that takes over and eliminates the light citrus opening. The base notes have an ethereal quality of sage + pine lifted by patchouli and iris. This is one of the most refined and complete fragrances I have smelled. It could be a masterpiece - I think it is. After the fragrance is settled it keeps a full range of scent profiles. When sniffed from a foot away it's a warm neroli, nutmeg, carnation. When leaning in for a closer experience you pick up the minty patchouli and iris lifting through the pine and sage - very green and ethereal. When up really close the a warm frankincense emerges through all of the other notes. A sparkling fragrance that is very satisfying.

Beautiful opening composed of highly refined complex accords of citrus, berries, lavender, and herbs, with florals rising up from the middle. A very attractive beginning: full, balanced, sweet, and done with the artistic delicacy that is so typical of d’Orsay’s fragrances. As the citrus fades, the florals take more and more prominence, until the rather sweet floral / herbal heart is achieved. Again it is a beautifully delicate and refined accord that, I think, gets less masculine as the lavender disappears. I get a mixed floral with the Lily of the Valley taking precedence over a touch of both Neroli and Angelique. It’s not long before the base shows up with the pine, iris, and amber showing themselves with confidence. At this point, the iris and amber seem to seal the fragrance’s fate of living in the condition of borderline masculinity—Chevalier is truly unisex. This fragrance can work anywhere—quiet enough for the office and romantic enough for…romance—casual enough for jeans and refined enough for a tuxedo. It has acceptable longevity. An excellent fragrance: It is so solid in its beauty and delicacy—it is a scent that can be trusted.

This one's a hit! A warm, subtle gentleman smell. Very manly without being heavy or controversial. A sort of cinnamonlike spice to it wich a very soft base, without being too sweet. I find it to be a scent not for the loud youngster, not for the yuppie-go-getter, but for a real gentleman; a father, a collegue, a team-player and a secure, calm man who has found the real happiness and true values in life (no , I'm not getting payed to write this...) For everyone over 25 years old. If you want something other than cucumber, melon and citrus give it a go. You can order a sample from the internet shops, at least I did.

Another D'Orsay masterpiece painstakingly crafted. A fresh start that is subsequently mellowed by balsam and amber. Very romantic, but acceptable for office environs.