After thinking that I had lost all of these, they happily came home to roost.

Despite reading the many glowing reviews, my first impression of REPLICA By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela was surprisingly underwhelming. The opening clove note, followed quickly by a heavy balsamic, woody accord, felt more sharp and resinous than cozy, and it never quite pulled me in. While the fragrance leans heavily into woody, vanilla, amber, and warm spicy accords, the balance didn’t translate to the inviting warmth I expected. Overall, I’d rate it a 3 out of 5—interesting in concept, but not something I’d reach for while snuggled up next to my wife by a crackling fireplace.