A rose by any other name is still a rose. A rose captured into a bottle, however, is nothing like a rose. Most fragrances with rose as a main note eventually become overpoweringly, sickeningly sweet as the day wears on. However, I've finally found it. The one. The rose among the thorns. Rose Essentielle opens with notes of blackberry, violet and jasmine and fresh, young, just-beginning-to-bloom roses, which eventually deepen to a pure, deep rose. The musky dry-down is soft and powdery, with a hint of sandalwood. I found myself appreciating this scent the most during the colder months, because it's so comforting. Yes, it's pricey for a perfume, but it's long-lasting and a small bottle will take you far. This is a sophisticated, elegant fragrance... A signature scent for the kind of woman who walks into the florist to buy herself a bouquet of roses because she doesn't need anyone else to buy flowers for her.