Wunderwind No 9

Wunderwind No 9 is the most literal landscape in the Lengling range. Ursula Lengling describes it as a walk through a silver-green pine grove looking out at a sunlit sea, and the two accords are titled accordingly: shady pine grove and sunny sea. The marine half arrives first. A sea-breeze accord and ozonic notes give it salt and air rather than the sweet blue-fragrance treatment, lemon adds a clean citrus edge, and a small amount of watermelon supplies just enough juiciness to stop the opening turning purely mineral. It is bright without being sharp. Underneath, the pine grove is the more unusual half. Pine needle absolute is the star, resinous and genuinely green rather than the disinfectant version of pine, rosemary and thyme absolute add a dry herbal crackle, and resinous frankincense gives it depth. Honey is the surprise: used sparingly, it warms the herbs and keeps the whole thing from reading as a household cleaner. Musk and soft floral notes fill the gaps. Six to eight hours is realistic, projecting moderately at first then sitting close. Spring and summer are the obvious seasons, and it works outdoors and on holiday better than anywhere else. It is a comfortable daily and office wear, and clean enough to survive a warm commute, but it is too restful to carry a formal evening.