Valentino Uomo Intense
Valentino (2016)

Valentino Uomo Intense to me is all about the Iris note that seems to be the rage right now. I seen that Darvant, whom I highly regard as the best reviewer I have come across here enjoyed this back in 2016 after the initial launch.

I have just acquired a bottle now at the end of 2025 and can say this is honestly a much better performer than DHI Intense ever was.

That is important to me since I am here to spread the joy and create as many CognoScenti-al's as I can so the world smells better! : )

I have to admit, I have not been enthralled by the "Born in Roma" line, they are all just ok to my nose and not premium scents. For the "just ok" I shouldn't be asked to pay premium prices. Love this scent though and can wear it to almost any formal/date night type scenario's.

Had this for a while and have started using it again now in the colder months. Lovely blend of notes with no particular note overwhelming the others. Warm, leathery and sweet and has great performance on my skin.

Valention Uomo Intense is basically the idea of Dior Homme / Intense plus a note of "black leather", whatever that might be. In terms of scent profile, it's close enough to being a flanker of Dior Homme. While it does smell good, there is also a ubiquitous "Sephora scent" note in there that detracts from it.

This idea was conceptualised in Dior Homme, and also perfected in it (2005 or the 2012 variant) and in the Dior Homme Intense that followed. Valentino Uomo Intense naturally has that great idea, but the execution isn't as suave or refined, though it does have a preppy appeal.

3/5

One of the best designers I've had the pleasure of smelling and a winner from Valentino. In the opening you get citrus, iris and leather. The leather has a suede feel. The mid and base end with beautiful iris and tonka bean with the leather taking a backseat but still remaining. Many compare this to Dior Homme Intense. There are slight similarities but they are completely different fragrances and both can find a place in anyone's collection. Big thumbs up!

Probably amazing if you like iris. For me it's a total turn off, even in something clearly quality like this.

So smooth! Warm iris, black leather, tonka powder, a vanilla back of throat low toned, deep growl that mellows to a purrr of comfort. A slightly higher emphasis on iris and tonka than Dior Homme Intense - but the tone is all warm soft leather almost to a gourmand level. Rating 9 of 10 stars - without question. The bottle design is secure in the hand, feels dangerous, looks distinctive on a shelf. Uomo Intense is almost the perfect mens fragrance.