Garrigue (1988)
by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier

I have become very fond of Jean Laporte's unique genius and the resulant daring creations which have come forth from MPG. Garrigue just doesn't impress. It seems to me a less inviting relative of a few other MPG creations, such as Jardin du Nil. I see little relationship with some referenced fragrances (Cool Water, GIT, Safari), but plenty of relationship with some of the other Laporte creations. It does, indeed, have a raw earthiness and even gives an impression of a handful of dusty scrubland soil that has been mixed with overripe fruit and rotting flowers. The end result is a little ho-hum, or maybe I simply set my expectations too high. Garrigue just doesn't measure up to the beautiful notes in Santal Noble, Parfum d'Habit, Ambre Precieux....

Longevity, as with other MPG colognes, is superior and sillage is about average.

9th February, 2011.

It may be blasphemous of me, but Garrigue’s top notes remind me of…Green Irish Tweed. There’s some of the same sweet, fruity/green fougère happening here, only it’s a lot less bright and perky. In fact, for the first half hour, I’m tempted to call Garrigue GIT’s darker, grittier cousin; what GIT might be if it weren’t so wholesome, so ruddy-cheeked, and so hell-bent on pleasing everybody. Needless to say, I find Garrigue much more interesting.

Garrigue soon goes its own way, though. There’s a good deal of lavender (and perhaps even sage and rosemary,) in this blend, which along with some musk and an interesting “salty” accord suggests dusty skin that’s long been exposed to sun. The opening sweetness dissipates pretty quickly, and the drydown is all musk and aromatic woods, with a sharp, peppery edge. I agree with previous reviewers that Garrigue is a less daring scent than many others from this house, but it’s by no means dull. It is versatile, easy to wear, and well-crafted. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a reliable daily wear fougère and have grown bored with GIT, Curve, and Cool Water. This has the quality of GIT, but it’s a good deal less bland.

15th February, 2010.

This makes me think of Cool Water, but less floral, more herbal, and with mineral salt. Not impressive at first blast as it resembles several fragrances which have been done since, but it grows on you. Masculine and refined. It's great with fuzzy wool weaters, as are most MPG fragrances. I suspect Laporte wears alot of fuzzy wool sweaters.

27th May, 2009.

Safari? GIT? Cool Water?. I must have missed that meeting. I mean this has class and skill dripping from it unlike the aforementioned imposters. A really gorgeous citrus and herb mix that lasts forever. How this has slipped under my radar is a mystery. Jean Laporte was inspired with Garrigue.

20th April, 2009.

excitedly sniffing my wrist as I booted up the laptop, I was all set to drop the bombshell that this was a stepchild of Green Irish Tweed. Well, the inimitable Vibert got there first. And I'm behind his review all the way.
However, dirtier though it may be, it lacks the longevity of the Creed kin. Also, topnotes are similar, but it's development isn't as aldehyde-y as the Creed, and for that I'm happy. An image comes to mind of the faceless drones in Pink Floyd's "The Wall." They might look slightly different, but it's really more of the same.
So, overall, it's not bad, but in my opinion, it's just banal. With that assessment, it should be said that I have higher standards for the "niche" offerings than their mass-market kith.
Thus, with some trepidation for coat-tailing on a master, I give this a neutral. Come on MPG, I love your line. You can do better than this.

16th November, 2008.

Vibert, you are not alone. I thought the top notes were very similar to another aromatic fougere that's known as Cool Water. And the drydown reminds me of the aldehydic drydowns of many a Bulgari, especially Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc just with a subtle licorice/greenish note added. It's an interesting accord all-together but not really spectacular.

2nd September, 2008.