Un Jardin en Méditerranée (2003)
by Hermès

I find myself wishing that this lasted longer and projected a bit more. It is really a very fine combination of citrus, summer florals, and woody-resinous notes. If there is anything on which to fault Jean-Clause Ellena's light hand, it is that he sometimes makes it a bit too light. At Hermès prices, this really ought to last longer. On pure perfumery points, there is little else to fault it on, however. If on the other hand one wanted to quibble, I suppose the base notes could be a bit stronger, perhaps a touch more oriental or resinous, incense notes; or, to go in the other possible direction, a bit heavier woods, guaiac, or vetiver, or patchouli. I think the oriental base notes would be better. Another approach might be to suggest more herbal notes in the top or heart notes: although there seems to be a hint of herbs, none is listed in the pyramid. On the whole, though, this makes such a beautiful impression that it's almost impossible to give it a bad review.

This scent leaves the bottle all aromatic green, with fresh grassy notes wrapped up in rosemary and lavender, the whole ensemble elevated by a healthy dose of aldehydes. The opening accord immediately brings to mind a dry and rocky Mediterranean landscape, with the blue-green sea daubing the horizon in the distance. Remarkably absent are any of the sweet citrus notes that so many “Mediterranean” fragrances lean on so heavily. Instead, Un Jardin en Méditerranée reveals a soft, pulpy fig and woods accord that completes its Mediterranean landscape. Comparison with Olivia Giacobetti’s Philosykos is inevitable, and the Hermès is a drier, sparer, and more aromatic scent. Giacobetti emphasizes the milky aspect of the fig and the sap in its branches, while Jean-Claude Elléna presents the bark and sun-drenched leaves of the fig tree.

Un Jardin en Méditerranée is linear once it establishes it’s fig, woods, and aromatic accord. As with many such light, airy scents it wears close to the skin, and I imagine you’d have to apply a lot of it to build up much sillage or projection.

I recently purchased this scent after I immediately fell in love with it at the sales counter. The slight floral fragrance is enchanting and I love the understated sweetness from the figs. I have read many of the reviews and have a few things to say:

1. A fragrance should not be overpowering. People should only be able to smell you when they are near you. If you want a cologne that you can smell down the hall at your office try Burberry London.
2. If you want a long-lasting cologne try something spicier and woodier...they tend to get stronger as the day goes on. A green and citrusy scent such as this will die down quickly.

I love Hermes perfumes and I have had nothing but compliments from this scent. Perhaps it is more of a seasonal scent meant for spring and summer. Im sure I'll switch to something else in the cold months. Perhaps Hermes Eau d'Orange-verte.

excellent fragrance and unisex as my newphew and i bought one each..exotic and crisp, unique and beguiling. hard to find in the UK but everywhere in Paris - naturellement... I want this one to last all year round

You have to give this one a chance. Don't just take it at face value...it warms into it's notes sooooooo nicely and you'll be surprised where it takes you.

The bergamot and orange blossom notes in this blend strongly remind me of Bulgari's Au the Verte. Starts out fresh. The drydown of Un Jardin en Mediterranee is somewhat dry. On the negative side it loses some of it's initial freshness ~ while on the positive, it remains rich with class and sophistication. I imagine either male or female will be able to wear this scent with no problems. This is my favorite of the "Un Jardin" series, I love it's composition and staying power. This Hermes is top notch!