Palas Atena (2001)
by Ayala Moriel

Harmonious with my skin. An Oriental that is almost a Chypre. Gentle sweetness of orange and neroli are lifted and cleansed by lavender. Compatible notes of jasmine and champaca add complexity. Cinnamon prevents the whole from entering the two-sweet realm. Patchouli grounds it with earthiness. Sandalwood lingers and floats throughout. Well-blended, spicy Oriental that is strong but quiet. I love this.

Top notes: Sweet Orange, Lavender, Neroli
Heart notes: Champaca, Jasmine, Cinnamon
Base notes: Amber, Patchouli, Sandalwood

Look at those notes! As an orange blossom junky, I'm drawn to this scent. Yet, that's not all that's here to reward. There are earth nymphs scampering around this orange grove, alternately peaking out from behind the trees. Once in a while I think I'm teased into believing I smell gardenia or cloves, but the notes dart away and hide in the patchouli underbrush. This is the kind of scent I could wear a couple times a week: pretty, not high-pitched (so my "alto nose" is happy), interesting enough not to become boring. The thing that's lacking is a volume knob that would allow me turn up the sillage. Once I find something this pleasing, I don't want to strain to enjoy it.