Wood Sequence targets Montale's Aoud Melody - the smooth, sweetish oud balanced against saffron, clove, leather and a jasmine-rose heart. The dupe captures the oud-and-flowers signature but renders it flatter, with the gold-dust floral nuance and leathery warmth simplified and longevity cut to a skin-close presence.

This one's a Montale, alright, but not as you know it. It's divisive from the off, with some finding it a harsh, medicinal mess, while others champion its understated warmth and creamy oud. Give it time, and you might just get hooked, but don't expect the usual Montale beast.