I’ve really been leaning into the clean boy, Mediterranean, linen oceanic look. I got pacific chill a while back and adore it, but I’m looking for a new summer freshie. So far I’m stuck between French Riviera by Mancera or Torino 21 by Xerjoff. I’d love to finally own a Xerjoff, and really enjoy the dna of this one, but it might be redundant as I already have a fragrance occupying the minty herbal fruity slot (pacific chill), so I’m leaning French Riviera now. I need more high quality marine fragrances as well. What do you brothers think?

Released in 2021, by Pierre Montale, the nose behind the entire Mancera line. This is the heavier, richer evolution of the original 2011 Cedrat Boise. The one point everyone should be talking about is that opening, some say it's comparable too Creed Aventus, but I'd pick this any day over the Creed. Here Montale took a bright citrus-fruit DNA and cranked it up with leather, oud and some serious woody depth, so much so that this is effectively a different fragrance entirely. Also worth noting: despite being labelled Eau de Parfum, it’s bottled at Extrait-level strength, which goes a long way toward explaining why it performs the way it does. You can tell with just a few sprays on the back of your hand. Note the oily film it leaves. That's a sure sign. It opens loud and proud, with a bright, zesty citrus hit alongside juicy, tart blackcurrant, with warm spices underneath so it never reads thin or sharp. If you’re here expecting a straight Aventus clone, hang around: that fruit burst fades faster than you think. Within 45 minutes it darkens up considerably, smooth leather, creamy white sandalwood, and soft Cambodian oud bringing a gentle, refined smokiness rather than anything harsh or medicinal. The jasmine is polite and well-behaved, just a touch of elegance, while patchouli leaves add a clean, earthy-green anchor that keeps it grounded. By the dry-down, warm vanilla, polished grey amber, wild oakmoss and that signature Mancera white musk wrap everything up. Its luxurious, rounded, and surprisingly balanced. The leather and oud don’t scream; they just give the scent real weight and maturity. Performance is surprisingly closer to the 8hour mark than I expected. With strong projection for the first few hours, then a solid, noticeable trail that clings to clothes and lasts well into evening. It settles beautifully and is also noticeably sweeter and heavier than the original. Fantastic in cooler weather, evenings and autumn/winter, but far too dense and syrupy for scorching summer days. And yes, the hype is largely deserved. It’s not perfect, and it’s not cheap, but if you want serious performance and depth rather than just flashy marketing. This is the one.

This one has a beautiful and bold aromatic and sweet opening. After couple of minutes, the sweetness tones down giving space to a more herbaceous, resinous, and powdery aroma. At the dry down it transitions to an ambery, slightly sweet and woody scent that lingers as a personal bubble (out of the clothing), and sits closer to skin after the 6th hour. Works well on cooler weather for any occasion. Love it!