Dolce & Gabbana Fragrance review
Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa Excelsa Review: A Delicate Floral
A light, musky rose scent perfect for spring and summer days

In this review
Dolce & Gabbana expanded their beloved Dolce collection in 2016 with the launch of Dolce Rosa Excelsa. This fragrance was designed to capture the essence of a Sicilian garden in full bloom, focusing specifically on the delicate yet complex aroma of fresh rose petals covered in morning dew. It serves as a sophisticated evolution of the original Dolce DNA, moving away from white floral dominance toward a more petal-centric experience.
As a reporter for Vivir, I have found that Rosa Excelsa stands out in the crowded floral market by avoiding the 'old-fashioned' or 'powdery' tropes often associated with rose-based perfumes. Instead, it offers a crisp, green, and watery interpretation that feels modern, youthful, and distinctly Mediterranean. It is a testament to the brand's ability to maintain a consistent aesthetic while exploring new olfactory territories.
Longevity
4.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
3.0
$70-$120
Accords
Rose
40%
Floral
30%
Green
20%
Musky
10%
Notes Pyramid
Top
Neroli leafPapaya flower
Heart
AmaryllisWhite Water LilyNarcissusAfrican Dog RoseTurkish Rose
Base
MuskSandalwoodCashmere Wood
Scent Journey
1
Opening 0-30 min
The fragrance opens with a vibrant, green blast of neroli leaf and papaya flower, setting a fresh and energetic tone.
2
Heart 1-2 hrs
The heart reveals the star of the show: a dual-rose accord featuring Turkish Rose absolute and African Dog Rose, supported by creamy white floral notes.
3
Drydown 4+ hrs
The base settles into a soft, skin-scent finish characterized by musk and warm, woody notes that provide longevity without overpowering the florals.
Performance Dashboard
Longevity
4.0/5
8-10 hours
Projection
3.0/5
arm's length
Sillage
3.0/5
moderate
When to Wear
SpringBest
SummerBest
FallAvoid
WinterAvoid
Office wearBrunchGarden partiesDaily signature
Pros & Cons
- Very natural smelling rose
- Non-offensive for office environments
- Beautiful bottle design
- Lacks the complexity of niche rose scents
- Can be too light for those who prefer heavy perfumes
Price & Value
$70-$120
Good value for a designer fragrance
“Well worth the price for rose enthusiasts”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported
Who It's For
Ideal For
- Lovers of fresh, dewy florals
- Those seeking an office-friendly signature scent
Not Recommended For
- Fans of heavy, dark, or spicy oriental fragrances
The Family
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
Clone Alternatives
None prominent
N/A
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Layering Ideas
- Layer with a light musk oil to enhance the drydown
- Pair with a citrus-heavy body lotion
Final Verdict
Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa Excelsa is a triumph of balance, offering a crisp and authentic rose scent that is perfect for daily wear. It is a must-have for anyone who appreciates a clean, sophisticated, and feminine floral fragrance.
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