Member Reviews: Heure Exquise by Annick Goutal, 1984

An iris fragrance in my mind, and based upon what I've experienced, is often counteracted with a distinguishable soapiness, heavy powder or an array of other floral notes. Heure Exquise is very different from what I'm used to. This is no Iris Nobile, Le Labo Iris 39 or Chanel 28 La Pausa. I was actually surprised to see iris listed as a note here. When I first smelt this fragrance the dominant iris did not occur to me. I was too fascinated with the overall composition rather than determining particular notes. Upon further reflection, Heure Exquise does have a lovely iris accord. This fragrance is stunningly simple. Somewhat dry, spiced powder with smokey undertones. To me this...

Being a fan of many of Annick Goutals fragrance, and contemplating the name Heure Exquise, I was expecting this to be a beautifully soft, transparent delicacy. The opening surprised me: I was attacked by an acidic, aldehydic tour de force. The aldehydes are rampant to the point of being shocking. I have no idea where the acid came from I cant account for it in the pyramid. The rose note in the opening doesnt come across very strongly for me, but the little bit of rose that does show through provides a clean and simple contrast to the frenetic aldehydes. It takes a while for the opening accord to settle down to something less aggressive. After twenty minutes I get a soft,...

A big 'thank you' to SedNon for a sample of this, it is truly an unexpected surprise.I get (and agree) with the Chanel 19 comparison. Bergamot and friends aren't listed here, but something is giving this a big green boost out of the bottle. I would even bring in Nikki de St. Phalle as a comparison for the opening. The opening is loud, clangy and 'wealthy'. I started getting images of New York high society ladies; but before it gets too stuffy lovely iris kicks in, and the magic happens. I LOVE a powdered iris dry-down, and here I am reminded of Chamade.A gorgeous scent. I'm not familiar with this house, but this makes me want to learn more.

Heure Exquise is perfect if you like Chanel No.19's composition, but find it as a fragrance to be too haughty, cold, or "mean". Heure Exquise shares the same galbanum-iris accord as No.19, but is slightly warmer and more romantic. I think it's exquisite, and a must-try for anyone who loves iris, or green fragrances in general.

This was my second Annick Goutal purchase and I find it to be an "old-fashioned" type scent, but in a good way. I smell roses and powder but also something else I cannot figure out... The drydown is quite nice and lasts a long time. I don't wear it during the day but to go out.

Heure Exquise is one of my HG fragrances. For me it opens with a strong aldehydic galbanum-rose. Sometimes the rose note is very fleeting. The bulk of the heart notes and dry down focuses on a blissful combination of creamy iris and dry powdery sandalwood. It is just divine, sexy and warm. Sometimes the lasting power is not good. A second application about one to two hours after the first seems to make it settle in - and I love the smell of the opening so much that reapplying is no problem for me. The dry body oil formula is also rich and warm and I highly recommend it. Heure Exquise is sexy and sophisticated, and can be worn all year for all occasions. Strangely I find the iris...

This is my favourite Annick Goutal scent. It reminds me a lot of Chanel 19, but it is much nicer in my view, and has far greater staying power. I'd describe it as a green scent, despite its fairly powdery dry-down, and I think it is the predominance of iris which makes this scent so extra-special, and which draws comparisons with Hermes 'Hiris'. It really is an exquisite fragrance - aptly named Heure Exquise - which draws compliments galore. If you haven't tried it yet, you should!

I had only the briefest exposure to Heure Exquise during a big sniffing event, but was struck by its similarities to a perfume called Camellia from the New Orleans perfumery Hové. I'd always found Camellia to be antiquated (in the good, Victorian era sort of way). Since I'm relatively new to perfumes, I don't know how I could sense it was old-style, and that seems to be the way others here are referring to the nostalgic nature of HE. Hmmmm. Interesting.

Of all the Annick Goutal scents that were available when I visited one of the shops in Paris, this was the one that I chose for myself. It is truly beautiful, a bit nostalgic but not sad. Unfortunately, as with all the fragrances from this line, it does not last with me.

Heure Exquise is the dream fragrance that I would create if I added the powdery green topnotes of Ralph Lauren Safari to the warm, humid drydown of Chanel No. 19. Heure Exquise is mysterious and haunting, like the hour for which it is named, and it possesses a timeless, feminine beauty that invites analysis and contemplation. I recommend this to those who love Boudoir, Tocade, and Bourbon French.