The arrival of Dior Sauvage Parfum in September 2019 is no surprise. The French luxury brand launched Dior Sauvage EDT in 2015 and Dior Sauvage EDP in 2018. Both have been huge successes.
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The fact that Chanel had also launched the parfum version of its mega-seller, Bleu de Chanel, in 2018 meant it was just a matter of time for Dior Sauvage Parfum to hit the shelves.
Packaging & Presentation
Dior Sauvage Parfum is presented in the same shaped bottle as the previous two versions, but has a sexier and slicker night-time feel with an opaque blue hue and writing in silver. The black magnetic cap bears the CD logo.
Scent Notes
Calabrian bergamot, mandarin, cardamom, elemi (top notes); amber, leather accord, Virginia cedar, candied raspberry, Sri Lankan sandalwood (heart notes); tonka bean, Papuan vanilla absolute (base notes).
The Inspiration
“Deep in the blue-tinged night, the intense scents of a crackling fire make their presence felt. Wood, resin and heady smoke fill the air, reaching for the sky.
Reflected in the water, the orange flames dance near the river. They define the new territory of a man who has chosen the magic of open spaces, and the protection of the moon.
Enveloped in light, he is at one with nature and sets his adventurous soul free in this virgin expanse. This land that pushes the boundaries is a reflection of the new Sauvage Parfum.”
The Talented Perfumer
All three versions of Dior Sauvage have been created by François Demachy, Dior’s in-house perfumer.
Demachy is something of a legend in fragrance circles and has created a number of standouts in his illustrious career. These include Emanuel Ungaro Pour L’Homme EDT, Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa, Fan di Fendi Pour Homme EDT and numerous fragrances for Dior La Collection Privée.
Personal Impressions
The opening of Dior Sauvage Parfum is all about freshness. Calabrian bergamot and mandarin notes give it some juicy oomph, while cardamom brings a dash of warm spice and elemi adds an element of smokiness.
Taking their cue from the cardamom and elemi, Virginia cedar and a leather accord add more warmth. The raspberry note is just detectable in the background.
But it’s the smooth and creamy sandalwood that’s really prominent in this stage of the fragrance’s progression. The brand claims that this ingredient is sourced from a Sri Lankan plantation where the trees are grown wild after initially being cultivated for a few years.
The base of the fragrance has an oriental vibe, with vanilla absolute and tonka bean keeping things on the right side of sweetness.
Dior Sauvage Parfum is smoother, richer and more sophisticated than its predecessors. Unlike them, it is not defined by a big dose of ambroxan.
For a parfum, its performance is not particularly powerful, which might bother those who want their fragrances on the “beastly” side. But if you prefer a more personal experience with your fragrance of choice, you will find much to enjoy.
So the big question: Which version is better? That debate could go on for hours. I prefer the parfum for its subtlety and the way it adroitly marries the two sides of its character: freshness and smoothness.
The first few times I tried it, I liked it, but didn’t really notice it much. The more I wear and smell it, the more I am enjoying Demachy’s nocturnal direction.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a grown-up designer fragrance that reveals more each time you’re wearing it, Dior Sauvage Parfum will appeal to you. Fans of the first two versions will be split on this one, so best try it for yourself if you’re one to get caught up in endless debates.
Where to Wear it
Dior Sauvage Parfum is more versatile than it sounds, but reveals its charms best at night and in cooler weather. It also makes for a great office fragrance.
Similar Fragrances to Consider
Bleu de Chanel Parfum is an obvious alternative if you’re partial to sandalwood. Other top-notch designer fragrances in the same league include Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men EDP, Armani Acqua di Gio Profumo EDP and Gentleman Givenchy EDP.