Roberto Cavalli Black (2006)
by Roberto Cavalli

Soapy, musky "toilette splashing water" kind of fragrance with a sort of bath foam smell due to a prickly accord of lavender-citrus-bamboo-tonka-musk-pepper. Very masculine, aromatic, green and clean with a refreshing toilette sparkling (even thanks some spices) soapy smell, at least in the first part of its development. Set the dry down the scent becomes more creamy and consistent. The cedarwood placed in the base impresses a touch of dry texture to an otherwise too watery fragrance. It's a sensual, casual a bit sportive scent in the clan of Body Kouros, Le Male and Lempicka au Masculine but with a darker beat and a less dusty temperament. It reminds to me a bit the smell of clean and airy washing of my youth. May be a touch of amber enriches the base with its mild resinous temperament. Some dry flowers in the heart give a touch of sophistication and romanticism. Decent projection at the beginning and very bad longevity on my skin. Not bad.

18th February, 2011. (Last Edited: 13rd January, 2012.)

The key to understanding this scent is to acknowledge that it is a fougère. Lavender + coumarin (in the tonka) = the basic fougère chord, and style. Certainly that is here: the distinctive soapy-mossy tone is very nice. This scent is called an “oriental fougère” perhaps due to its smooth and slightly rich character. I would call it a “woody fougère” because I get attractive lingering wood notes. The scent has airy, grassy notes. It is dry and wears well. It is a comfortable, non-challenging introduction to a low-key fougère. The term “black” here is a complete marketing ploy, there is nothing ‘black’ about this in any way, as far as I can detect.

4th January, 2011.

Great scent for dating and clubbing. Shares the vibe with Cerruti 1881 Black and YSL La nuit Del Homme.Longevity and projection are great. Better to wear it in autumn and winter. Even though it is not overly heavy, I wouldn't wear it in summer. Thumb up!

20th July, 2010.

Not my cup of tea,I didnt like it at all.its not herrible as I found some scent like kenzo PH
which I couldnt stand a minute...but I wouldnt buy it.

8th March, 2010.

What a great winter scent.
I tried this one based on several positive reviews, and I'm glad I did.

It does have a bit of an "alchohol" smell right at the beginning. But that fades very quickly.

I do see the comparison to Armani Code...which isn't a bad thing at all.

8th January, 2010.

The overriding emotion I experience when sampling this,is disappointment. I cannot detect the black vibe that the name alludes too, more a murky grey. The opening is dry, herbal, with a strong pepper presence. It certainly isn't unpleasant, but it lacks vibrancy and inspiration. The heart notes provide some welcome relief from the slightly depressing top notes, and a warmer, mellower fusion of lavender and geranium are discernible. This softer phase is too brief, perhaps designed to usher in the fragrance's party piece; the tonka bean in the base. As others have already alluded to, it is an especially pleasing tonka bean note, but it lacks the support from the musk and cedarwood to ensure that the dry down is wholly enjoyable. The longevity is an issue that finally consigns Cavalli Black to the lower end of a neutral rating. It is difficult to locate any trace of it beyond four or five hours.

13rd November, 2009.