WHAT I SMELL:   Rituale’s opening is warm and slightly smoky and quickly met with a spicy buzzing bergamot.  A warmed lavender soon arrives layered on top of a light brown sugar note.  The perfume is ardently inviting and seems to beckon you into a spell.  The beguiling opening moves to the more serious where deep and mysterious florals slowly pulsate at a level that hugs the skin.  Now that the spell has been cast, the perfume feels as if it has melded not just to the skin, but down to your soul.  As the perfume continues to quietly develop, a warm and rich amber is coated with a honeyed beeswax along with the most subdued, yet slightly sweet patchouli.  Rituale is not a perfume that will make a larger than life statement for the wearer, instead, it’s a quiet, subtle and hypnotic perfume that will draws others to you with it’s magic.

From the Mendittorosa website:

Rituals from ancient cultures; myths, symbols and religions in one perfume. Rituale is illuminated by a nectarous narcissus, a golden distillation of time like an everlasting sunrise. Blessing and prayer, a soothing balsam for skin, Rituale is your personal temple. Perfumes normally come and go with the wind but Rituale likes to linger and bless your day, creating a ritual especially for you.

Head Notes: Italian Bergamot, Mandarin Aldehyde, Lavender.
Heart Notes: Jasmin, Narcissus, Rose, Red Fruits (Blackcurrant, Raspberry, Pomegranate).
Base Notes: Patchouli, Sandwalwood, Beeswax, Amber Woods, White Musk, Hyraceum (Golden Stone).

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  Spellbound.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE RITUALE:  haunting, personal, contemplative

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RITUALE:  The Silver Fox, CaFleureBon

BOTTOM LINE:  I have been waiting to wear this beauty for some time as I knew it would not work well in the heat of Mexico.  Now that the weather has finally cooled, I was able to experience this quiet, yet provocative perfume.  It’s true, good things come to those who wait.  Oh, and that bottle!

• Bone Rating: 3.5 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent: Floral Woody Musk
• Nose:  Amelie Bourgeois
• Classification: Unisex
• Expense: $230 for 100 ml parfum extrait

Sample courtesy of Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary.