Magnolia Nobile (2009)
by Acqua di Parma

Acqua di Parma Magnolia Nobile

I went to graduate school at the University of Georgia and one of the lingering scent memories of Athens, GA was the smell of the magnolias. Magnolia has a beautiful scent to me and a perfume that is centered around it is one that will appeal to me. Enter Antoine Maisondieu who has designed the 2009 release for Acqua di Parma, Magnolia Nobile. This is the second in the Nobili series to 2004's Iris Nobile. I am a big fan of Iris Nobile because the iris really stands out in that scent and I was hoping for the same thing in Magnolia Nobile. The top is what seems to be the Acqua di Parma trademark opening, bergamot and lemon. I wonder if you are forced to begin with this if you are asked to design a scent for Acqua di Parma. As a beginning it is fine but the sameness of it has the effect of making one stifle a yawn because you've encountered this beginning so many times before. Thankfully, just as in Iris Nobile, the titular star of the show makes its appearance quickly and powerfully as magnolia comes into play. This is a magnolia in full-bloom on a humid early summer day in the South. There is a hint of green but the floral sweet character of magnolia is cleanyl delineated in the heart of this one. The magnolia is joined by a touch of jasmine and a hint of rose but, as in Iris Nobile, those are mere grace notes; the heart of this is magnolia pure and simple. The magnolia stays in place for a good long time before slowly giving way to a woody vanilla base cut with a little vetiver and patchouli. It keeps the sweet level on a par with that of the heart and thus allows the magnolia to continue to linger without being overwhelmed. Magnolia Nobile is a close wearing long lasting eau de parfum. As they did with Iris Nobile, Acqua di Parma has created another singular floral sensation in Magnolia Nobile, let's hope we don't have to wait five more years for the next Nobili.