Dammuso by Profumo di Pantelleria

*****

Year: unknown

Notes: grapefruit, lemon, lime, blackberry, cardamom, green tea, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, musk

Dammuso takes its name from the ancient dry stone houses, with white dome-shaped roofs, dotted around the landscapes of Pantelleria, Italy.

It opens with a tart and pulpy grapefruit note, which is supported by other citruses and some blackberry. These top notes are arrestingly zesty, as a dry green spiciness from the cardamom slowly infiltrates.

With a woody-musk base, which includes cedar and vetiver, it's a well-composed, transparent and easy to wear woody-citrus. However, like this house's other fragrances, it lacks sufficient depth and originality. In the case of Dammuso, one is often reminded of Parfums de Nicolaï's Balle de Match (now renamed L'Eau de Sport).

Wearing close to the skin, longevity is below four hours.

Jailia by Profumo di Pantelleria

*****

Year: unknown

Notes: bergamot, bitter orange, pineapple, red fruits, peach, honey, patchouli, chocolate, vanilla, ambergris

Commencing with a fleeting fruity opening, Jailia is more about the honey, patchouli, chocolate and vanilla. It's also initially reminiscent of Thierry Mugler's Angel, but better constructed and more refined, before evolving into something more akin to the original Lolita Lempicka.

It's soft, not too sweet and possesses average longevity. However, its lack of originality does it no favours.

Maestrale by Profumo di Pantelleria

*****

Year: 2006

Notes: bergamot, rhubarb, rum, coriander, cardamom, lavender, carnation, jasmine, iris, vetiver, cedar, ambrette seed

A salty woody-musk concoction, with touches of rhubarb, coriander and cardamom would be the best possible description for Maestrale.

Quintessentially masculine, the citrus and rum are too ephemeral, with a nearly inconspicuous floral heart that only serves to add a slight sweetness. Later on, the vetiver imparts a woody dampness, which complements a discernible plant musk denouement. But, generally throughout, the cedar is the star of the show.

Both simplistic and minimalist in its stature, it stays close to the skin and possesses average longevity.

Nicà by Profumo di Pantelleria

*****

Year: unknown

Notes: tangerine, grape, blueberry, cardamom, violet, freesia, cedar, sandalwood, musk

Nicà is a light and airy creation, which mainly focuses on the grape, violet, sandalwood and musk.

With the addition of honey and blueberry nuances, it's clean, somewhat creamy but monumentally dull. There's also a floral detergent sharpness, which gradually seeps through and intermingles with the woods. Possessing abysmal lasting power, it's extremely overpriced for what it offers.

Aire by Profumo di Pantelleria

*****

Year: 2004

Notes: citrus, kiwi, white tea, jasmine, iris, tonka bean, white pepper, white musk

Aire is an inoffensively fresh tea scent. But, while pleasant to the nose, it's too ethereal and nondescript.

With an opening that's somewhat green and metallic, both the citrus and kiwi are dominated by a strong white tea accord. With the help of some florals and tonka bean, the astringency gradually softens to reveal a creamy sweetness, before a peppery white musk base emerges.

Although it's an intriguing release, it will probably only appeal to those looking for a clean or light tea fragrance. Personally, one would have preferred more substance, especially given the price.