New Niche Fragrance Review: Moscow City Exclusive Le Labo Benjoin 19 + From Russia With Love Draw

Le Labo Benjoin 19 Peter Voelkl CaFleureBon

 Perfumer Frank Voelkl , will you be mine?

When Le Labo announced that their City Exclusive for Moscow was not the Cuir 28 but the Benjoin 19, I scratched my head a little. Isn’t Russia known for leather? It wasn’t until I learned that the inspiration for Benjoin 19 was the transcendent golden moment that Anna Karenina meets Count Vronsky that the choice made sense. This is about deep passions, not keeping the cold out.

Le Labo Benjoin 19 Anna Karenina 2 CaFleureBon

Kiera Knightley as Anna Karenina for Vogue (star of the 2012 movie adaptation)

Putting on Benjoin 19 made me very nearly angry, because it is exclusive to Moscow and not easily accessible to me. I would wear this perfume to within an inch of its life. It makes me smell like the fur of a spirit animal, one that is all about warmth and fire and sensuality. Once the crystalline, resinous top notes quiet down, this perfume has to be smelled at several levels.

Le Labo Benjoin 19 Count Vronsky CaFleureBon

Aaron Taylor Johnson as Count Vronsky for Vogue (starred in 2012 movie adaptaion)

Against the skin, nose pressed close, the smoky, musky animalics purr. The aroma is almost unbearably erotic. A couple of inches up, and there is a sweetness, with a bit of wood. This is the scent you want on your scarf on a cold day; inviting, yet still crisp. Even farther away, and there is a cloud of ambery beauty so inviting that there could not possibly be any resistance to every desire. It lasts on the skin a nice long time, with varying sillage.

Le Labo Benjoin 19 Anna Karenina CaFleureBon

Kiera Knightly as Anna Karenina for Vogue

I am a fan of Le Labo, even though the City Exclusives are annoying with their once-a-year attainability outside their designated city, and palpitation-inducing price tags. However, I would sell my grandma for a bottle of this juice (sorry grandma, if you’re reading this from the other side). Some of the other city scents have been lovely, but haven’t broken the must-have barrier. I must have a bottle of this. There are a lot of perfumes I love deeply, that sing to my soul, and they are not lesser than this, but this is, in perfumista terms, a Holy Grail. The perfumer behind this miracle is Frank Voelkl, ( Le Labo Baie Rose 26 (2010) Le Labo Iris 39 (2006) Le Labo Musc 25 (2008) Le Labo Santal 33 (2011)  Le Labo Ylang 39  and Limette (2013). Maybe he’ll marry me so I can have a lifetime supply.

Notes:  benzoin, olibanum, amber, cedar, and musks

I received my sample from the lovely people at Le Labo.

Tama Blough, Senior Editor

Le LAbo Benjoin 19 Sample CaFleureBon

Although it pains me to part with it, I have a second sample to give away to one lucky reader in the US.

anna karenina 1948 edition  featuring vivian leigh

This 1948 reprint features a cover image featuring Vivien Leigh, who played Karenina in a 1948 film adaptation

 

Please leave a comment  if you’ve read Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina (or seen any of the film adaptations including last year's movie directed by Joe Wright) and name your favorite Le Labo City Exclusive.  Don't forget to tell us you live in the US. Draw ends  Thursday, October 23rd.

 

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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78 comments

  • I have seen the 1997 version film directed by Bernard Rose and starring Sophie Marceau, Sean Bean, Alfred Molina, Mia Kirshner, and James Fox. My favorite Le Labo City Exclusives is Vanille 44 (Paris) and I would die to try the Benjoin 19 it sounds divine.

  • Chris Schaefer says:

    What a review! I think I would have died and gone to heaven if I won the sample. I have read Anna Karenina and seen several of the films. I admit I am an incurable romantic. Unfortunately I have never had the pleasure of experiencing Le Labo. I wish that it would be easier to appreciate the wonderful fragrances. I am in the US.

  • I have not read Anna Karenina nor have I seen any of the film adaptations. After reading Tama’s review I should probably do that 🙂
    My favorite LL City Exclusive is Vanille 44. I live in the U.S.
    This perfume sounds amazing, thank you for sharing Tama!

  • leathermountain says:

    I am in the US, loved the audiobook of Anna Karenina on a long road trip, and have only smelled Tubereuse 40.

  • Holy Grail? Break hearts? Cruel, cruel Le Labo. I read Anna Karenina by Tolstoy 3x. My favorite le labo city exclusive ? Until this reviewChicago Baie Rose 26 also by Mr Voelkl I am single Mr. voelkl
    So let’s meet at the railway station and run off to Moscow USA all the way

  • Dang, Tama, you’ve made this irresistible with that review! To be honest, I have avoided the Le Labo city exclusives because they tick me off; I feel the idea is patronizing. But this sounds so wonderful…. As to Anna K, I watched the Kiera Knightly version mainly for the costumes and while I have the book on my Kindle, I haven’t read it yet.

  • My favorite is the NYC Tuberose. I guess I’ll have to wait for next year’s free for all to smell this treasure. I have many city exclusives and love them all. They were worth the wait.

  • I have read Anna Karenina and seen all the movies! My favorite Le Labo is Vanille 44. I do wish they would make them a little less exclusive. There are many I have not been able to try!

    I live in the USA. Thanks!

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    You know the draw a while back asking about our favorite Tama article? This is my new one, I loved it!!

    I’ve never read Anna Karenina or seen the film adaptations, but would like to see them eventually. And I’ve never ever tried a Le Labo, how sad is that??

    Oh, and I live in the US. Thanks!

  • I have read the book, but I have not seen any of the film adaptations. I live in the US. My favorite Le Labo is Cuir Dubai.

  • I have no first hand experience with Anna Karenina, but the fragrance sounds incredible. It appeals both to my scent tastes, and my intrigue with Russia. I’m in the U.S.

    Winning the sample would be bittersweet, as I think this may be my Holy Grail. :/

  • Anna Karenina is one of my favorite books! I just saw the most recent film version; it wasn’t as terrible as I thought it would be. Favorite LL: Vanille. I live in the US.

  • Oh my gosh, yes. I was beyond excited when I heard about this release. Benzoin is one of my favorite fragrant substances. And Le Labo my favorite perfume house. I am currently rationing my favorite, vanille 44. Plus, I carried Anna Karenina around like a bible when I was a teenager. I still thumb through my old marked up and dog eared copy from time to time. So, basically, this perfume was made for me. Except that it wasn’t, lol, and I will have to plan a very expensive trip to find it. (I live in the US. Would LOVE to try this. Thank you! )

  • I read the book, saw the movies and cried my heart out.
    My fav is Iris 39. This sample should be mine! I tried for over a month to get a bottle of Benjoin 19. I think it is easier to find water on Mars than bringing a bottle from Moscow. I didn’t give up yet. 😉 m

    Great review!

  • I haven’t read or seen any Anna Karenina, but have been meaning to. My favorite Le Labo is probably a tie between Vanille and Tubereuse, and I am dying to try this! I live in the US, thanks Le Labo and Tama for this draw 🙂

  • It’s been a very long time since I read Anna Karenina. I think I should go back and re-read it. I don’t believe I’ve seen any of the films either.

    My favorite LeLabo is Vanille 44, so good in this fall weather. I live in the U.S.

  • I did see the recent film, which is now available on netflix! I do live in the US, and my fav exclusive so far would have to be Vanille 44, at least until I get a whiff of this new one!

  • Oh I will need to check the new adaptation on Netflix! I haven’t read this yet or seen a film but it is on my list. I am a huge fan of Limette so am definitely eager to try a new fragrance by Mr. Voelkl. I am in the U.S.

  • helical gnome says:

    I read Anna Karenina when I was a child but I havent seen any of the adaptations.
    My favorite Le Labo city exclusive is (Tokyo) Gaiac 10.
    Thanks for the draw. I am in the US.

  • I read Anna Karenina when I was a teenager, and listened to it in audiobook form a few years ago. Have seen the Masterpiece Theater adaptation starring Helen McCrory and Kevin McKidd as Vronsky.
    I am in the US and have never tried a LeLabo but this sounds wonderful to me.

  • Have not read the book, or seen the movies. My favorite is Poivre 23. Thanks for the review, and the subsequent drooling. We’re very close Tama, and can I just tell you, I am jelly! LOL. TY

  • Anna Karenina just happens to be in my stack of to-read books, I’ve been longing to read it for quite some time. I also have never experienced Le Labo. I’ve been too put off by the City Exclusives to bother…but this, this sounds fantasmagorical. I live in the US. Thank you!

  • wefadetogray says:

    I am in the US.
    I havent read the novel. I only saw the move with Greta Garbo. I am not Keira Knightley’s biggest fan so I have yet to see last year’s adaptation. I remember, though vaguely, I used to watch a series on TV back in the 80s of Anna Karenina.
    My favorite Le Labo city exclusive will for ever be Vanille 44. I just adore it. Thanks 🙂

  • Sadly I haven’t read Anna Karenina or seen a film adaptation–I’ve been meaning to remedy that for years now. And my favorite Le Labo exclusive was Aldehyde 44…now it’s Gaiac 10 (both so lovely!!). I live in the US. Thanks as ever for the draw!

  • My only Le Labo experience so far, has been the delightful Vanille 44. I have not read or seen Anna Karenina. Your amazing review makes me want to travel to Moscow, just to get my hands on this! I live in the US. Thanks for the chance to win your extra sample!

  • julesinrose says:

    I haven’t read Anna Karenina, nor have I seen any of the films. I studied Russian in school (and read books in it) so this has been an oversight! I haven’ tried any of Le Labo’s city scents, but I imagine my favorite would be the Gaiac 10. I’m in the US still! Cheers.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    As a Russian Language and Lit major I definitely have read Anna Karenina but, it has been awhile… I haven’t seen any of the movies. I don’t have a favorite city exclusive (waiting for the Dubai one to actually be available here) but, this sounds amazing! I would love to try it and I have a US address.

  • I haven’t seen either film, nor have I read the book. My favorite city exclusive is Poivre 23. Benjoin 19 sounds gorgeous and could become a new favorite, if I get a chance to try it! I live in the US.

  • Read the book in my teens, may be time for a refresh. Favorite city exclusive (so far) is Vanille 44. I live in the US.

  • I live in the U.S.

    I recently watched the Keira Knightley version of Anna Karenina, and loved it! Haven’t read the book or seen other movie versions, but now I want to.

    Believe it or not, I am a Le Labo virgin! No idea how I haven’t run across any samples in all my perfume testing. Would love to try this. Thanks for the draw!

  • I feel you, Tama. I was desolate when I feel in love with Poivre 23 (which has a hefty dose of delicious benzoin in it), and then realized I could neither afford it nor get it. I had to wait several years until someone on Basenotes did a split to get my fix taken care of. I suspect it could be the same with this one, which I would love to try. Like everyone else I have had this conversation with, I do wish Le Labo would stop with their anti-globalization pretense and make these fragrances more egalitarian. I love a number of their perfumes, but their marketing is truly off putting, and has stopped me from buying full bottles from them.

    I love Anna Karenina, but so far, have not seen an Anna who corresponds with my mental image of her (Garbo comes closest but is a little too unearthly gorgeous for me). I have the UK series from a few years ago with Helen McCrory in my Netflix queue, who is a wonderful actress (if not exactly the glamourous Anna of her predecessors), so it would be lovely to win the sample and wear it while watching!

  • I read Anna Karenina while traveling twenty years ago with my then boyfriend, and it still calls up feelings of passion–for life and experience. I have not yet tried ANY of the Le Labo Exclusives! This one sounds like where I should start.

    Thank you for doing this draw. I am in the US.

  • I saw last year’s movie, it was pretty good, but that’s all I have to go by.

    So, did someone say AMBER? MUSK? BENZOIN?? I would love a chance to try this special perfume. I’m in the US. Thank you!!

  • Hi, Tama! Thanks so much for the draw — this sounds absolutely wonderful! Just wish it had come out in time to be included in Le Labo’s open buy/ sampling period which just ended. My fave LL is a flat-out tie between Vanille 44 and Tuberose 40. Have only read the book but definitely need to see the films. I live in the U.S., and if I win, I will definitely share this beauty. Thanks again!

  • I have read the book and loved the PBS series that was shown several years ago. It was many weeks long, hence several hours of more detail of the story. It is such a great novel.

    I am in the US.

  • Anything with Tama’s stamp of approval will go on my list to try.

    Most of my favs from Le Labo are those created by Frank Voelkl. I have enjoyed many of the City exclusives but like Tama, none have come to selling a family member for it.

    I’m intrigued and live in the USA.

  • I read the book years ago. No idea how I missed the PBS miniseries. I haven’t tried any of the Le Labo line, but after this review I’ll have to make an effort to try this one. I’m in the US.

  • Yes to US
    Fav city exclusive is Gaiac 10

    I wrote my psychotherapy dissertation on the characters in Anna Karenina – I still sometimes revist the book for a read because I loved it so much.

  • i can barely believe this, but i am actually unfamiliar with *any* le labo city exclusive (although i love and own both rose 31 and santal 33.) but now i really really REALLY want this one now — do i have to wait TWO YEARS? i know i will have forgotten by then.

    o well…

    anyway, yes, i’ve read the book, in two of the several translations into english, (garnett and pevear & volokhonsky.) i like the older (and more ornate) constance garnett translation a lot better.

    well, i f i cannot try this new city exclusive, at least i can finally read war and peace (also in the garnett translation.)

    and i am in the u.s.

  • I read Anna Karenina in my Russian Lit course in college. I confess that I did not see the recent movie, as I was unsure if the unusual twist on the setting (inside a theater) would ruin the narrative for me. Perhaps I should put aside my resistance and watch it.

    I have 2 exclusives, Gaiac 10 and Poivre 23, and though I love both, I must give the Poivre the edge. Prada Benjoin is one of my Top 5 scents, so I’d love to know how the Le Lebo Benjoin compares. (I have a bad feeling it will be wonderful.) I didn’t see this one during the recent “amnesty” on the exclusives, and had no idea it was available :-/

    (Oh, I’m in the U.S.)

    Cheers,
    lisa

  • linda beth ross says:

    I read the book in college . I have not seen any of the films though. My favorite city exclusive in Vanille 44 for Paris.I am in the USA.

  • Wow! I was really wanting to try this even before your review as I LOVE resins and benzoin/benjoin in particular. But knowing you love it THAT much? Again… wow!

    I think I saw a version of Karenina with Jacqueline Bisset on tv as a teen. My fave city exclusive is Poivre.

    Thanks for the review and for the sample opportunity, Tama!

  • I have not read the book nor seen the film but do sound captivating. This scent sounds like a beauty. Would love to get my hands on this one for sure. I am in the USA. Thank you.

  • I have not read the book or seen the films, my favorite Le Labo is Poivre 23, followed closely by Jasmin 17. Adore the line, and love anything with the words “Benjoin”. Your review was impressive, almost like I could smell it through your description!! I am in the US.

  • This sounds absolutely lovely! I have neither read nor seen any of the Anna Karenina adaptations. I haven’t tried any Le Labos. Loved that you would sell Grama for this lol… I would love the opportunity! I’m from the US.

  • I was watching the latest version on HBO recently with my wife. Seemed like a great film, but unfortunately with age my ability to stay wake during movies has diminished greatly! I am in the US. Thank you.

  • My favorite city exclusive is a toss up between Tubereuse 40 and Aldehyde 44. I haven’t read the book (I started it long ago), or seen the movie. I must! I’m in the US

  • I have thus far resisted the allure of Le Labo city versions for the reason you name, it’s just too much trouble. But this one I may have to order a sample. I also love benzoin. And I’ve not seen any of the movie adaptions, but looking at the photo above of the handsome Count Vronsky, I may seek out this most current version!

  • Oh, this is my dream come true…I can’t wait to try it! I have read AK, and my favorite Exclusive is Poivre. Thank you for offering this up! I can imagine it’s hard…

  • What a great review! Anna Karenina has always been in my top five favorite books. I’ve read it 3 or 4 times. The love story of Levin & Kitty is the one that always moved me the most.
    I’ve not tried any of the city exclusives yet, but want to. Benjoin is a favorite note (accord?) as well.

    My favorite film version of AK is the one that aired in 2000 on Masterpiece. It was with Helen McCrory.
    I live in the US. Thanks so much for the chance to win this one!!

  • I date a girl once that was reading the novel. She told me little about it, and that I should read it, just never got around to it. My favorite city exclusive is the recent Cuir 28. That leathery goodness! I am in the US. Thank you.

  • “Happy families are all alike…” Ahhh, Anna Karenina, how you torture me from the stack of to-be-read tomes stacked by my bed. I confess that I’ve not read it NOR have I seen any of the film versions (!!!) However, I DO live in the U.S. and am very fond of Le Labo…my favorite is Poivre 23, which I almost bought at Harrods in December until I learned that it was twice the price of other offerings….le sigh. I would feel so lucky to win this draw, even at the risk of falling in love with another elusive scent.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    i have never read Karenina novel or seen movie adaptation but have been familiar with it for quite a while..maybe its time to watch 2012 adaptation…my favorite city exclusive is Cuir 28..i am in the US

  • I remember trying to read Anna Karenina in college but couldn’t get through it. I did see the movie with Keira Knightley last year and now want to see the movie adaptation with Vivien Leigh.
    Vanille 44 Paris and Limette are my favorite city exclusives and thanks to Cafleurebon was able to buy both last month. Well I did enjoy Aldehyde 44 but that’s ancient history now. Thank you le labo and Tama for allowing us a chance to try benjoin 19
    PS If it was me I would have kept both samples I am selfish that way

  • I have never read or seen any versions of Anna Karenina, but I am putting it on my list. The only Le Labo’s I have smelled have been at Anthropologies. I own Belle du Soir and love it. Never smelled any city exclusives, but you do make this very tempting. I am in the U.S.

  • I read Anna Karenina a few years ago and really enjoyed it. On the other hand, I have yet to see any movie adaptations. Just browsing netflix made me doubt that any of them would live up to the book in any way. I have never tried ay of the city exclusives, but I quite like Patchouli 24. I have also tried the Iris, but it didn’t work for me.

  • I have never read Anna Karenina, but have seen the 2012 movie, and loved it…the costuming, scenery, photography and music were superb. I would love to try this fragrance. I like Le Labo Iris 39 very, very much.

  • tomate farcie says:

    “All happy families are alike…” I love all things Anna ! I also like Limette 37. I live in the US.

  • I have not read Anna Karenina or watched any of the films, but they are on my list for when I am done with my thesis and applications. I was pleasantly surprise that Tubereuse 40 ended up being my favorite city exclusive. Was expecting just the usual feminine white floral, but I very much liked the citrus and woodiness that I got from it as well. I am in the US. Thank you for the draw.

  • Doreen Stelton says:

    What a lovely review and a great choice for a perfume inspiration. Would love to sample it. I have not yet seen the film (didn’t know about it, a bit in my own world I guess) but I read the book several times as a young woman. I am in the US.

  • I’ve read Anna Karenina, many moons ago, but not seen the film. I don’t have a favorite Le Labo city exclusive yet- maybe this will be it. I am in the U.S.

  • I have read Anna Karenina,I enjoy all of Tolstoy’s work.Although I haven’t tried it….because dear LeLabo the city exclusives are near impossible to get! …I think I would enjoy Cuir 28.Benjoin 19 sounds amazing.Great review! You have me salivating….Thanks for the draw!

  • Yes, I’ve read Anna Karenina. I never saw the movie because when I love a book, I hate having my original mental images overlaid by the ones in the movie. My favorite Le Labo is Patchouli 24, but you’ve made this new one sound irresistible. (I do live in the US.)

  • I haven’t read the book or seen the films, but I plan to do so at some point in the not-too-distant future. I bought the smallest bottle of Limette 37 while it was available this year, and I may save my pennies for a larger bottle of that or Vanille 44 during next year’s open season. I would very much like to try this one though. I’m in the US; thanks for the draw!

  • Oops….I have not read the book, or seen the movies.
    And, I have hesitated to get ‘involved’ with any of the City Exclusives.
    But, I would love to experience that scent that you have just described!!
    Thanks for sharing.

  • USA reader
    Thank you for this review and draw! I enjoy the Le Labos I encountered years ago in NYC on a visit–have the Iris oil, it’s awesome! But have never sampled a city exclusive. Vanille 44 and Benjoin 19 both sound perfect for me!

    The modern film was a little too modern for me in places but I liked it. Have seen pieces of the 1948 version, and have read bits of the book–we own both–but never all the way through. It’s one of those someday books.

  • susie frankel says:

    I live in the US and have not had the opportunity to sample Le Labos scents…citywise, etc. I have read Anna K and seen two movie versions…a GREAT READ.
    Thanks for the draw opportunity.

  • I have seen the new film recently. So beautiful, and I just love Kiera Knightly, such a great actress. As for my favorite city exclusive, the only one I have tried is Tubereuse 40, which is lovely. I am in the US. Thank you for the draw.

  • I have not seen Anna Karenina yet. I was not in love with Alhehyde 44 but sadly no Barneys= no more city exclusive for Dallas. sad sigh. My favorite Le Labo scent is Santal 33. I love the oil concentration. A perfume by the nose behind Santal 33 sounds exciting… Might I add that your review makes it sound like a MUST HAVE! Happy belated bday Tama.

  • I have not read the novel or seen the films. Vanille 44 would probably be my favorite of the city exclusives. Thank you for the draw. US