Vintage (2006)
by John Varvatos

I didn't realize there were 2 offerings from Varvatos...I erroneously gave the review for Vintage to the regular JV. (Now fixed)
Well, as most mentioned, pumkin spice. Maybe apple cider cinnamon? Either way, both JV and vintage are similar in that they are spicy fall/winter (Christmas) frags. Vintage is more of a gourmand than regualr JV, you simply cannot escape the cider/pumpkin/cinnamony thing going on. It seems some most people like one or the other, I like 'em both. Vintage is the more unique of the two, IMO.

If you're looking for a scent that 'promises more than it delivers' then this IS vintage, Varvatos-style. Some bright moments here and hopeful notes there, but altogether just too sporadic for VINTAGE to make any lasting impression on me. If I could offer one advice to the team, please get Jean-Claude Ellena on the payroll. Pronto!

It starts out something like the original, plus some various spices, then dries to a bland "suede" vanilla. Which means they're trying to justify and market a synthetic vanilla note. I tested this having not read these reviews or really knowing anything about the fragrance. I was kind of hoping a for a leathery version of the original, just by looking at the bottle. I guess I should have known better.

" Pray continue your most interesting narrative, Watson "

" But Holmes! How on earth am I to make sense of a fragrance that is launched two years after its namesake, and yet has the audacity to call itself 'vintage'? "

At this the great detective judicioulsy applied a small amount of Oliver Creed's Vintage Tabarome, lit his pipe, injected cocaine, and began to play his violin.

" Elementary, my dear fellow. These Americans have released this brown bottle for the benefit of young puppies who have hitherto applied the somewhat brash--not to say vulgar-- original J.V. with devastating effect upon the fairer sex, luring many an innocent serving girl to her ruin. "

I rose to my feet in horror. " But Holmes, this is monstrous! If they have, as you claim, practiced such villainies by way of the intoxicating nature of J.V. then what possible motive could they have by introducing a 'vintage' variant? "

My friend cut me of with a wave of the hand. " They have grown greedier, Watson. They are no longer content with mere seduction. They have added tobacco and toned down some of the more obvious puerile notes. Their motive is to regard themselves as sophisticated, well to do, mature and respectable whilst pursuing their sordid affairs."

Holmes exhaled a weary sigh. " Watson, they wish to regard themselves as gentlemen. "

Unfortunately, I didn't like the smell.
Kind of gives you a headache even with 1 spray on the wrist and sometimes reminds me of the smell of going to the dentist.
Not great.

While I don't much care for the original Varvatos, Varvatos Vintage is really something special. It has at its heart a most inviting 'pumpkin spice' note that entices and seduces. I readily surrender. Great sillage and longevity on me. Surely one of the best releases of the last 5 years.