Terre d'Iris Miller Harris for women

I was lucky enough to be gifted with six carded samples of Miller-Harris perfumes (wrapped lovingly in the House's signature ribbon) by another wonderful member. On first sniff of all the vials, I liked Jasmin Vert the best. I wore that one and really liked it. But I must say, on applying THIS to my skin this morning I believe I have found a new love...

This opens with an absolutely wonderful citrus accord. Not too sharp, not too sour. Bergamot and bitter orange play SO well together! I expected (from the name) something earthy, cool yet floral and almost dark (earth of iris); something that smelled like dirt covered roots and thick purple flowers...but NO! This is clean and crisp, then becomes more green and herbal. Rosemary and sage add a mediterranean flavor along with a light floral blend of rose and orange blossoms-spectacular! Iris is always watching though, and in the top you can sniff that she is around, somewhere. In the heart she makes her presence known. My God is this gorgeous!! This has some bitterness, but not anything off-putting or too sharp. Some may say medicinal; I say "aromatic". Cool, clean (vaguely soapy) and green: this defines irises without any of the powdery or metallic associations most use. I may have never been to the Mediterranean...but now my NOSE has! WOW! Iris dominates the drydown, crowned in moss and decked in pine (fir), she is regal and here emenates her glory as sharp and soft green notes bring her own to the fore. The "earth" part comes when a very muted patchouli and warm resin add an ever so slightly oriental feel to this; but never quite disrespect the Iris, by speaking over her. All the notes here are very VERY well blended. This is one of those great perfumes that seems to fade away quicker than you would like, due to it's cunning construction, but is still there...like a natural extension of one's self. Spectacular!!

Sillage: good
Longevity: very good
Overall: 4.75/5

I often find "louder" more projective perfumes to be superior (like Iris Noir) and really enjoy both the Infusion d'Iris and Infusion d'Homme. If you love irises (as I do) and want something that catches their cool, dark nature without lots of pomp and production, while still being well-made and elegant, do yourself a favor and try this. You'll be so glad you did...here quality does trump quantity.

*Note to self: Must get more...*

As Cinsot said before, bitter orange on top is quite noticeable but I think this fragrance is sweet too.
I would describe it as a mineral, floral, earthy sweetness, far from gourmand.
It's a soapy perfume that reminds me of the exquisite A Scent by Issey Miyake, but with lots of extra sugar, so the general impression is not so "green" as in A Scent, but more syrupy-floral.

I thought that I loved it but now I don't think I would buy a full bottle. It's getting too sweet to my taste.