Madigral (1935)
by Molinard

Not what I'd hoped for. Madrigal has a standard issue bergamot and lavender opening that veers a little too close to furniture polish for my taste. Once the top notes dissipate I'm left with a powdery wood accord and some sweet vanilla, but the effect is rather thin and undistinguished. A sweet vanillic drydown finishes a scent that's pleasant, but unmemorable.

23rd December, 2009.

This is a lovely men’s scent-classic, natural feeling, longwearing, and compelling. It has the simplicity characteristic of Molinard fragrances. Classified as a mossy, woody scent, it boasts notes of Clary Sage, Tarragon, Lavender, Juniper, & Patchouli. The earthy sweetness, ease, and comfort of this scent makes it wearable by both men and women. It seems the patchouli is tempered by tonka or vanilla, although not stated in the official notes. It is currently available in eau de toilette strength.

b.n. Madrigal is a vintage 1935 scent from the French Perfume House of Molinard. In 1993 Madrigal underwent a reformulation and was relaunched under the umbrella of the Les Masculins Collection, which includes the scents Madrigal, Vaniteck, and Rafale. Molinard, one of the three famous –ard houses of Grasse-Molinard, Fragonard, and Galimard, is a provider of fragrance essences and bases to other major fragrance houses. They maintain an open studio and perfume museum in Grasse, which can be visited by the public.

9th August, 2009.

Treading the floor of a medieval maze, brown and green underfoot, warmed by the autumn sun. And, yes, I think that's music and laughter we hear, drifting over the high hedges. Warm brown scent with green spicy undertones, friendly enough, if maybe a bit ordinary in a classy sort of way.

6th May, 2009.

A patchouli bomb. Perhaps the grandfather of Givenchy Gentleman? But, unlike GG, Madrigal doesn't scream, "this is a man's scent". In this respect it is akin to some of the wonderful L'Artisan scents. It's hard to find in the US, I got mine from a Canadian swapper.

9th August, 2007.

Nice but "soooooo" old scool... Women fragrances at Molinard's are so much interesting.... Try "Ambre" or or "Habanita" (be light when you spray) which are unisex !

15th March, 2007.

I see what vadim means about this one feeling a little 'dated,' but I don't get as much sweetness from Madrigal as I do tart bitterness. I think it would be a welcome addition to anybody who enjoys Caron Pour un Homme, Monsieur Balmain, or some of the men's offerings from MPG (especially Centaure). Definitely a surprise thanks to the sage and tarragon and quite unique, I'd say it's worth a try if only to see how greatly our "noses" have changed over the past forty years. I don't think we'll see a new scent anything like this one again.

7th January, 2007.