Roja Haute Luxe
Roja Parfums (2013)

I judge a perfume by the sense of integration, balance and quality of ingredients; the story it tells and how eloquently that story is told. Roja Haute Luxe has every one of those nailed. Clearly an expensive perfume- some of the reviews focus of that instead of the merit of the scent- I suppose, at this price point, one would expect marvels and wonders with the blind seeing and the lame dancing a jig or finding true love.... Not happening from this or any scent.
What does happen is, from the first whiff and the unfolding of the notes, I know that I have had a taste of something fine: rare, high quality perfume ingredients blended and balanced masterfully under a studied and sophisticated nose, Roja Dove. The gold foil is more funny than impressive.
I suppose one could be a snob about this perfume (in either direction) but that does an injustice to an exceptional creation. Live with it, breathe it in, let it lift you. Knowing that I can be elevated with a spray of this perfume is valuable to me- having it feels like a treasure beyond price. Could one get many bottles of perfumes for the price of this one perfume? Of course, duh. Will they reach this level? Not likely, unless you are very lucky.

I just had a taste of something fine. I love that line and this perfume is one vehicle to that beautiful place.