
Scentonym Analysis
Our objective metric for performance per dollar.
How it Smells
Classic 9.0 initiates with a distinct mandarin orange, though it leans towards the artificial – reminiscent of candied orange peel rather than the zest of a fresh fruit. The clary sage attempts to ground the initial sweetness, lending a herbal counterpoint, but possesses a slightly acrid quality. The heart exhibits a prominent iris accord, yet lacks the velvety smoothness of its inspiration. Instead, it presents a powdery texture, almost like cosmetics. The tonka bean attempts to provide depth, but is noticeably restrained. As it dries down, the vanilla emerges, slightly cloying and overly sweet, merging with a synthetic leather note that possesses a plastic undertone, rather than a supple texture. The overall composition deviates considerably in quality from the original, missing the nuanced balance and refinement.
How Long Does it Last?
Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending to approximately one arm's length for the first hour, before settling closer to the skin. Tested in both indoor and outdoor environments, the scent maintains a consistent profile, with minimal evolution beyond the initial stages.
The Verdict
If Classic 9.0 were a movie character, it would be a well-meaning but clumsy understudy, eager to replicate a star's performance but ultimately falling short of the sophistication and charisma.
Performance Audit
Based on average wear time
Sillage & radius
Relative to market avg
Why we track this:
Price Arbitrage: Significant savings compared to the original Valentino pricing.
Community Verified: Cross-referenced against 292 enthusiast votes for accuracy.