Wildblue Noir
Banana Republic (2013)

On my spree of blind buying cheapies, I encounter Wildblue Noir, another very mediocre fragrance.

Overall, this is a less intriguing version of Christian Audigier for men. Not worth $20 a bottle, it lasts about an hour. Definitley not worth discontinued asking prices of $70 plus. Smells nice, but I don't get the dark chocolate listed.

I did a blind buy on this fragrance in a bargain bin. I think I paid like $18 for it. And I can honestly say that I was not disappointed. I would say it's more of a casual nighttime winter sent.

I was never overwhelmed by BR's fragrances over the years but was intrigued when I saw a new crop of 15ml bottles, and ended up buying one of Wildblue Noir.

Its name is appropriate, as it has a synthetic dark blue vibe--that is, a spicy aquatic seemingly more suited for the night than for the day, though due to its limited longevity and projection, it works as a day scent as well because it is only so bold for so long. Its opening is bold, though, as a quasi-fresh burst of synthetic blueberry mixed with spices. The note list has been difficult to track down, but my guess is that there are multiple fruit notes (at least a citrus and a non-citrus), along with a woodsy not ore two, and a vetiver base. Chocolate is possible but it's likely a synthetic substitute that smells similar. I can't detect leather at all.

Cant argue with the retail price (perhaps $12 for the 15ml) as it's useful to have a small decant, but that's as far as I can go, compliment-wise, due to the lacking longevity (fades to a skin scent almost wholly within a couple hours). It's a strong, dense blue opening that isn't complete, but isn't bad, either.

6 out of 10

I tried this in the BR store & loved it. The lasting power is terrific. I plan to buy a bottle soon. It's along the lines of TF Noir IMHO. It's a spice scent for sure.