Chypre is not a single note but a complex fragrance family or accord, traditionally built upon a foundation of oakmoss, labdanum, and patchouli, brightened by a top note of bergamot. Its smell is multifaceted: initially bright, citrusy, and sometimes sharp from the bergamot, it quickly evolves into a rich, earthy, mossy, and woody heart and base. There's often a dry, slightly bitter greenness from the oakmoss, a deep, resinous warmth from labdanum (often described as amber-like, leathery, or animalic), and a dark, rooty, slightly chocolatey or damp-earth quality from patchouli. Depending on variations, it can incorporate florals (rose, jasmine), fruits (peach, plum), or leather, adding layers of powdery, sweet, or animalic texture. The intensity is typically moderate to strong, with excellent projection and exceptional longevity, anchoring the fragrance firmly as a base note structure, though the bergamot provides a fleeting top note lift.