Roadster (2008)
by Cartier

I think the mint in combination with bergamot in the opening works much better than the more usual lavender to provide an interesting and enjoyable introduction to Roadster. And I enjoy this particular mint note: It is not the usual “minty fresh” concept… this mint is darker and going on bitter and sets a mature stabilizing tone to the fragrance. The light shadowing of labdanum and patchouli from the base also contributes to that mood. The middle accord continues the deeper, darker mint motif and adds an ozone note that is at first seems out of place but soon morphs into an interesting accord. The dry down is a rich wood / labdanum accord with a touch of vanilla. The wood is an almost aromatic cashmere wood enhanced and supported by patchouli, labdanum, and cistus... it moves the fragrance into the "elegant" territory..

I enjoy most of Cartier’s fragrances and this one is no exception. Except for Declaration, this is possibly the edgiest of their offerings. My initial opinion of Roadster had me thinking that it was too thin and sparse for my tastes. With each new test, I’ve learned more about it, and I’ve further improved my opinion of it. It wears subtly and competently on my skin and presents a light overall smokiness that I find inviting. This is a possible purchase for me – I will keep testing it and it just may end up as the fourth Cartier in my collection.

Roadster is, indeed, not terribly original but it does smell great. It's just a pity that the drydown isn't as well-composed as the deliciously minty top notes – it just comes across as somewhat muddled.

As for the bottle, although I hate the design (I can't drive and have never been interested in cars), I do love the heavy glass used for the bottle. Also, the swivel cap is a wonderful touch.

[Original submission date: 27 September 2008]

Roadster strikes me as a commonplace “fresh” woody/fougere composition, not all that far removed in structure from the whole Cool Water crowd. It reminds me a bit of Fahrenheit 32, in that it uses a minty note to replace some of the usual calone and violet leaf, but then it also reminds me of at least twenty other fragrances.

For what it’s worth, I prefer Roadster to the Dior because it doesn’t contain much (if any) of the cloying drydown material that fouls Fahrenheit 32. Besides the mint, Roadster distinguishes itself to some degree by using drier woods than many of its ilk. That’s not enough make it revolutionary, or to excite me, but it’s still a plus.

The mint seam prevalent in many Cartier fragrances is a again a principle feature within Roadster. However, it is less dominant and slightly softer in nature here, and it harmonizes well with the other ingredients to provide a very sombre, controlled fragrance, that is an exercise in refined subtlety. The slightly tart opening is a well balanced affair, never overpowering, and allowing the citrus notes to restrain the normally dominant spearmint. Beyond the opening, Roadster gets into its stride with a smooth transition through a greener middle stage that never betrays its opening sense of freshness. The dry down has one of the better vanilla strains that I have encountered, and in its latter stages it has abandoned any semblance of mint. It allows the simple charms of a soft vanilla and fragrant wood accord to bring matters to a conclusion. A decent fragrance with respectable longevity and a nicely contained sillage.

This is a very simple (1. Mint, Bergamot, 2. Labdanum, Patchouli, 3. Vanilla, Vetiver) fragrance, but I feel it very complex and unique. Modern and classic, elegant and sporty, not so strong but enough, masculine but not sharp, ideal for cold or hot weather... So it's a all-round fragrance, a true and luxury signature scent. The "weakest" side of this frag for me is the bottle but it's still ok too. This is a simply "must love" EDT. Big thumbs up sure!

the english mint is very pronounced giving the roadster a (green) feel and touch though it lasts and lasts and also has patchouli which is undetectable. it settles into a nice cashmere wood base that shines. overall an elegant green. has that ever been accomplished?