Minotaure

Minotaure, inspired by Paloma Picasso Minotaure (1992)

Tarragon is the unusual note at the top, an aniseed-tinged herb that gives the bergamot a green, slightly licorice edge. Lavender and geranium take over in the heart, the aromatic pairing found in many classic men's scents. Amber and vanilla then pull it towards something rounder without losing the clean feel of the opening. Fuller descriptions also mention sandalwood in the base.

About the original

Minotaure was Paloma Picasso's only men's fragrance, launched in 1992 and developed with Créations Aromatiques; the composition is usually credited to Michel Almairac. The name refers to the Minotaur of Pablo Picasso's paintings, and Paloma Picasso designed its rounded, pebble-like bottle. It reportedly won the 1993 FiFi Award for men's fragrance of the year. Whether Minotaure is still in production is something we have not been able to confirm.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Paloma Picasso stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

A lavender-and-amber structure like this will feel familiar to anyone raised on the classics. Retailers call it clean and classically masculine, and the amber and vanilla base is rounded rather than sugary, although those after a modern style may find it dated.

Related scents

• Paloma Picasso Paloma Picasso
• Nikos Sculpture

Notes of the original fragrance, as listed in fragrance references.

Top notes: Bergamot, Tarragon

Heart notes: Lavender, Geranium

Base notes: Amber, Vanilla

Bergamot and tarragon open it, citrus first, then that herbal, faintly aniseed note.

Lavender and geranium form the heart, aromatic and a little rosy.

The base settles on amber and vanilla, sweet but kept dry, with sandalwood named in fuller note lists.

What does tarragon add to Minotaure?

An herbal, slightly aniseed sharpness that sets the opening apart from plain citrus starts.

Is Minotaure the same as the women's Paloma Picasso?

No. Paloma Picasso, the women's fragrance, is a separate scent that we also make. Minotaure was the brand's only men's fragrance.

Is Paloma Picasso Minotaure still made?

We have not been able to confirm whether Minotaure is still made by its current producer.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Paloma Picasso and Minotaure are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Paloma Picasso in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.