VERONIQUE GABAI
DELICES DES BOIS

2024

lemon
neroli
petitgrain

sage
jasmine grandiflorum absolute
fig

cedarwood
dreamwood
patchouli
sandalwood
musk

‘Like an unexpected moment of pure bliss, Délices des Bois is delicious as love and red-hot as passion. Embark on a sensory journey with a fragrance that exudes depth and delicious sweetness in perfect harmony. The fusion of sandalwood and cedarwood creates unforgettable allure, complemented by the mystical touch of dreamwood and patchouli. The hero, a sun-kissed fig from the gardens of Southern France, takes center stage, carrying a comforting undertone of sweet, milky sap. Jasmine weaves its delicate essence into this confident symphony, adding a floral grace to its bold, sweet embrace.’ – Veronique Gabai

Fig is front and center in this fragrance and for my taste, that means it’s almost always a success. I really like the way this transitions as well.

I find that this fig opens way more on the green and sharp side, with a huge dose of musk underneath. I get less of the smoother, creamier side of fig (or sandalwood) in the first hour. Viewing this as a fresher scent, with a cleaner musky wood and an aromatic side, also works well though.

As mentioned, the texture is quite sharp. My favorite fig may be Essential Parfums Fig Infusion and while the two aren’t worlds apart, Delices Des Bois has a sharper, more green floral tinge overall at this stage and it gets sweeter later on.

Because the brand also promises sweetness and milkiness and this does come through eventually. Not in the most creamy, coconutty fig way to my nose, but very woody. I think that sandalwood lovers will find a lot to like here as soon as it starts to dry down. It gets sweet, but not to the point that you start losing the brighter and greener hints.

Mind you that the notes differ from source to source, with the ‘ethically sourced ingredients’ section on the Veronique Gabai section adding cinnamon and labdanum, as well as having patchouli in the notes. While Harrods lists more notes, but does not list any of those 3. I don’t think it matters much either way, as citrus, fig, jasmine and (sandal)wood should give you a good overall idea.

And while I do like a fresh crisp fig scent as well, I do prefer the drydown. Overall; a really nice scent.