Sous Le Vent by Jean Paul Guerlain 2005

/ australianperfumejunkiescom

Hey Everyone,

While in Paris recently we went to the Guerlain counters in Galleries Lafayette. One of the new fragrances I was introduced to by our gorgeous SA was today’s offering. Not wanting to madly buy at Galleries Lafayette and saving myself for the Guerlain Flagship Store on the Champs Elysees I didn’t grab a bottle of it. We left the Guerlain store till our last evening, thinking it would be the Paris highlight. Sadly, that afternoon they started their renovation and we were unable to go in and purchase. No worries said I, next January I’ll come back and get one…….. DISCONTINUED!!!!! So off to my mate Ruth K, now at least I have 5ml.

Sous Le Vent by Guerlain 2005

Sous Le Vent FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Lavender, tarragon and bergamot
Heart: Green notes, jasmine and carnation
Base: Iris and woodsy notes

Originally created by Jacques Guerlain in 1933, re-orchestrated by Jean Paul Guerlain in 2005 for the renovated flagship Guerlain store on the Champs-Elysees which has been fully renovated again in 2013. The style here was a chypre, named for Cypress the island and its evergreen trees, goats, crisp flowers, fresh sea air and dark mossy, earthy, fruit groves. The 2005 reformulation has taken much of the darkness and depth.

What does this famous fragrance smell like on me?

The opening is green, bright, soapy and citric and as soon as you put it on it smells like a Guerlain, heavenly, rich, beautifully blended and the citrus crescendos over the top of the herbs like a wave that peaks, breaks and then recedes. It’s like the world has disappeared and I am sitting alone on the lovely rock mount, under the tree in the picture below but there’s no salt just fresh, bracing air.

Lone Cypress Tree DanielPaulKleinPhoto Stolen DanielPaulKlein

The heart melds seamlessly and the citrus comes back at quite unexpected times to say hello, as the opening notes say farewell Sous Le Vent quiets and softens. The floral heart is pretty but unremarkable on my skin, actually I think my skin is eating some of it because it smells quite thin, maybe I am anosmic to the notes? I have a lovely floral wash that has nothing discernible. I was hoping for much more of the animal, labdanum and also mossy darkness. I understand that the world has changed and that it’s not possible to use those products anymore, still I am sad.

Please don’t think I do not love Sous Le Vent. I do love it and once I got over the initial surprise I have been able to visit and spend time really enjoying what it is. It still carries an amazingly bright and wonderful opening, though it softens considerably upon repeated wears it’s quiet dignity has impressed me and I think I am getting more of an understanding of the elegance that Sous Le Vent delivers. Perfect scent for glamour occassions but not so rigid it couldn’t be worn as a daytime signature scent. It is pricey at around the $300 mark, if you can get it, but if someone was rich, only wore a few scents and didn’t spend all their money on collecting then I think it makes sense to have a scent that is this perfectly proportioned and while harking back to the old days is still bang up to date.

I have a 10ml decant and that will probably do me till it’s re-released.

Sous Le Vent Cyprus Goats FlickriverPhoto Stolen FlickRiver

Further reading Olfactoria’sTravels and BoisDeJasmin
Sous Le Vent can be bought at very select Guerlain boutiques worldwide, I have not seen it in Australia though.
SurrenderToChance starts at $7/ml

I’m sure Sous Le Vent is old news to you, how did you enjoy the experience? Or if you haven’t tried it, will you?
Till tomorrow, be nice to yourself,
Portia xx

20 thoughts on “Sous Le Vent by Jean Paul Guerlain 2005”

  1. What a sad story about missing the chance to get this one but, it seems that maybe the smaller decant is sufficient. When I heard this was being DC I tried it a couple of times (there are several stores with it still available over here) but, despite appreciating the classic quality, I couldn’t justify the price. It is a lovely green scent though.

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    • Yes, I get you completely here. Beautiful, lovely, but not OTT gorgeous. Maybe my nose needs to grow to love it. It wouldn’t be the first time.
      Portia x

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  2. I have never tried this, obviously now I never will…shame.
    The word discontinued is my least favourite in the English language.
    Along with limited edition. Aargh

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  3. I didn’t know this had been discontinued, what a shame. I was thinking of buying a bottle when I – hopefully – visit Paris next year. Luckily though I have a decant that Birgit generously gifted me with. I will wear it sparingly each time spring comes around.

    I agree that it smells so completely Guerlain. I love it for that.

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  6. Discontinued? Rats! Another one bites the dust. I think I still have a very small bottle tucked away somewhere. Finding it is the trick
    Azar x

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    • WOW! Lucky you Azar. Yes, goneski. I’m hoping they have some left overs in January when I’m in Paris,
      Portia xx

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  7. Hi Portia, hope you’ve had a good day. I have never even heard of Sous Le Vent, but in answer to your question-yes I would try it. I will always try a Guerlain. Although I tried Guerlain Mouchoir de Monsieur whilst in France and did not like it. On the same day I tried Habit Rouge and adored it! So I will never turn down the sniff of a Guerlain.

    Best wishes
    Samantha

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    • Lovely to see you Samantha.
      Guerlain Mouchoir de Monsieur is one I’ve not tried but Habit Rouge is an old favourite. jin loves Dandy too.
      Portia xx

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