Portofino

Portofino opens with a lively citrus burst of bergamot, lemon and mandarin lifted by neroli, immediately recalling the sun-drenched Mediterranean mood Tom Ford built the original around. The heart brings in lavender, rosemary and cypress for an aromatic, slightly green edge alongside jasmine, before settling into a soft amber, ambrette and musk base. The overall effect is clean, zesty and understated, making it an easy daytime fragrance for warm weather, whether at the office or out casually. Where it falls short of the original is in the base's texture; Tom Ford's version has a richer, almost creamy ambrette-musk finish that gives it real depth and longevity, while this version fades to something lighter and more generic. Still, for the price, the fresh citrus-floral character comes through convincingly and makes for a pleasant everyday spring or summer scent.