It’s been a scorcher these past couple of weeks both in California where I was visiting and in New York since I’ve been back. Most days I’ve been getting by with just my Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus deodorant and a spritz or two of my lighest of scents. Anything more no thank you!!!?

Thanks to a random discovery – Thé des Vignes by Caudalíe – I have a new one in my rotation. It’s a wonderful light concoction featuring tea and grape notes with the faintest jasmine and neroli thrown in for good measure and a soft honeyed musky drydown. A touch of ginger gives it a very subtle but efficient kick. Best of all, Thé des Vignes is super affordable; $39 for a 50 ml bottle is a bargain on their website and even lower priced bottles can be found on Amazon.

I remember being in a Sephora last winter looking for a skin moisturizer and the sales rep gently pushing Caudelíe’s all-natural skincare products but I wasn’t even aware that fragrance was in their line-up. Turns out Caudalíe has released several in their Fresh Fragrance range: Fleur de Vigne (2002), Thé des Vignes (2011) , Rose de Vigne (2015) and Eau de Vignes (2017).  Thé des Vignes was created by Jacques Cavallier, the nose behind  some of my favorite scents, including Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey and Maison Martin Margiela  Flower Market.

Thé des Vignes reminds me a little of D & G’s Light Blue without having any of its citrus and apple notes but probably more like Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea. Smelling this definitely gave me EA Green Tea déjà vu and made me wonder what happened to the small bottle I used to own. I’m pretty sure I never finished it so if it ever turns up it I’d love to compare the two.

The only downside to this fragrance is that it only lasts for only about an hour and then poof. That said, I typically stay away from long-lasting perfumes this time of year since they tend to become cloying. Sweaty sometimes can’t be avoided but stinking of perfume is a definite no-no.

I think of Thé des Vignes as more of a light body spray or even something to spray on clothing when you want to feel refreshed. Layering it with something else would no doubt extend its longevity.

Have you tried Thé des Vignes or any of the others in the Caudalíe Fresh Fragrance collection? Which was your favorite?