Eau Sauvage is a rare bird. Tailored after classical unisex Eau de Colognes, Edmond Roudnitska's masterpiece has weathered the many style storms of the last forty-six years to come out well ahead of anything released in the last fifteen or twenty. It's just that good. The citrusy lemon and bergamot top-to-heart structure balances coriander, basil, jasmine (Hedione, in its mainstream debut), oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, and musk with such delicacy and finesse that it seems to incorporate the very aura of spring and summer into its character. It wears close to the skin, which makes it unobtrusive, and its spartan freshness is unlikely to offend.
This fragrance has the added benefit of smelling incredibly adult, very "grown man" without being stuffy, and light enough to avoid seeming dire (Encre Noire it's not). Eau Sauvage is a safe bet, a quality fragrance, and classical in a comforting, familiar way. The Hedione is responsible for the timelessness of Roudnitska's creation, and imbues its eighteenth century template with suaveness and modernity. It also gives the heart accord a gentle floral feel, something an open-minded woman might embrace in her wardrobe. I appreciate how the airy jasmine effect takes Dior's classic to a unisex level.
Recent headlines are trumpeting its upcoming flanker, Eau Sauvage Parfum, which is going to be an EDP. Evidently this version will feature bergamot up top, myrrh in the heart, and vetiver in the base. It sounds divine. (2022 update: it isn't. Avoid Eau Sauvage Parfum and stick to wearing this one. See my review for a better idea of what went wrong.) Hopefully my local Sephora will stock future flankers of this fragrance, but if not, no biggie. Regular Eau Sauvage is readily available. I should always own a bottle.