A Niche Fragrance House Figured Out What I Want to Smell Like This Winter
Jo Malone London has a special place in my cologne-adled heart. Years ago, while putting together a fragrance feature, I first encountered Wood Sage & Sea Salt. I was never one for marine fragrances, but this was uniquely fresh: woodsy and herbaceous with a sea-faring vibe rather than aquatic overload. Light yet nuanced, those two notes that read simple on paper revealed more personality with every wear. In short, I became a Jo Malone convert.
Jo Malone’s Cologne Intense collection takes that famously fresh footprint and makes it richer, deeper, and more potent. The lineup pulls inspiration from remote places and rare materials—florals, incense, resins, distinctive woods—to create scents with more warmth, longevity, and atmosphere. One of my favorites, and a bona fide standout of the collection, is Cypress & Grapevine. Launched in 2020, it channels that signature Jo Malone clarity into a twist of woods and spice with a slightly moody, mysterious edge. Here’s why it more than earns its place in your (or, with gifting season here, a special someone’s) fall and winter fragrance arsenal.
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Michael Stefanov
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Michael Stefanov
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Michael Stefanov
Jo Malone
Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense
Two notes, one identity—that’s Jo Malone’s signature
Every renowned fragrance house has at least one defining characteristic—though for me, Jo Malone has two. The first is their signature dual-name structure: Lime Basil & Mandarin, Earl Grey & Cucumber, etc. It’s a clever calling card that pairs two distinct perfumed personalities, rounded out by supporting notes. The second is freshness. Whether the cologne leans citrus, gourmand, or floral, there’s this airy, quietly elegant, refined British sensibility woven into the DNA. Subtlety is their byword, and a big part of what makes the brand so universally wearable.
A fresh-woody scent that’s crisp, green, and seductive
On paper, Cypress & Grapevine is a woody aromatic; on skin, it’s a little spicy, very green, and just a touch resinous. Cypress is an interesting wood note because it’s less “generic forest,” more “ancient scholars studying manuscripts under Mediterranean trees.” Its smooth character pairs beautifully with the grapevine heart, which brings a subtle sweetness, tart grape accents, and a crisp cedar edge. Vetiver (one of my forever-favorite notes) adds an earthy nuance as everything settles into a resinous amber and mossy green base for depth. C&G is crisp yet sensual, yet still Jo Malone–fresh, but with a warmer, richer vibe.
If I had a dollar for every time I used “it works from day to date night” in my reviews, I’d be loaded—but when a scent is versatile, there are only so many ways to say it. Heavily spiced scents have no business near an office, while citrus-sweet colognes don’t exactly infer a chic, dimly lit lounge. Because of its freshness and depth, Cypress & Grapevine pretty much works for any occasion—polished enough for evening soirées yet easygoing for daytime wear. And, if you’re used to more mainstream fragrances, this isn’t a giant leap; it’s not going to, nor does it try to, rewrite the scent script. It’s familiar enough for broad wearability while still unique enough to stand out from alcohol-laden banality. Think: approachable artisanal.
A classy bottle basically made for gifting
Between the classic silver-domed cap, the square, weighty glass bottle, and the iconic yellow box, Jo Malone’s colognes practically ask to be gifted, received, and (if you’re a nerd like me) kept in the box to preserve the juice (stored away from sunlight). With the Cologne Intense line, that same bottle gets a rich upgrade in a deep forest-green hue that looks quietly stately on any scent shelf. And if you really dig the cologne (or want to gift someone the full Cypress & Grapevine experience) the “family” extends to a body and hand wash, a candle, and holiday sets. Consider it a curated ecosystem for the olfactory inclined, now with a touch more attitude and depth.
