Almacerro
2024 Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain AVA
Auction 30 | Lot No. 17
Vintage: 2024
Almacerro
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain
5 cases produced
Highlights
- A distinctively elegant Cabernet Sauvignon crafted by Matilda Scott and Françoise Peschon.
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown and produced at the Almacerro estate on Howell Mountain.
- Exclusively from old vines planted in 1997 by Howell Mountain appellation founder Bill Smith
- At 1,800 feet above, an unobstructed maritime influence promotes a wine of balance and finesse.
Description
Experience a Cabernet Sauvignon of rare pedigree and striking elegance. Crafted by renowned winemakers Matilda Scott and Françoise Peschon, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is grown and produced at the Almacerro estate atop Howell Mountain. Sourced exclusively from old vines planted in 1997 by appellation founder Bill Smith, the wine captures the power and authenticity of its historic site. Grown at 1,800 feet, the vineyard’s elevated influence shapes a wine of remarkable balance, purity, and finesse. This mountain Cabernet serves as a refined expression of heritage, altitude, and uncompromising craftsmanship.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Matilda Scott
Winemaker, Almacerro

Matilda Scott grew up on a sheep and cattle ranch in the western district of Victoria in Australia, close to the Cabernet Sauvignon capital of Coonawarra. Her first taste of the industry was picking Chardonnay grapes on her 11th birthday alongside her mother at Bowen Estate. Upon graduating high school, she undertook her first of three harvests at Wynns Coonawarra Estate whilst studying history at the University of Melbourne.
Inspired by two harvests at Arkenstone on Howell Mountain, she returned to Australia to complete a post graduate diploma in Viticulture and Oenology with the University of Adelaide. While studying fulltime she also worked at Sons of Eden for two harvests. Returning in 2016 to Arkenstone, Matilda worked alongside Sam Kaplan and consulting winemakers at the facility including Françoise Peschon. The following year the two started at Almacerro as assistant and consulting winemaker, with Matilda gaining the title of winemaker in 2021.
Country born: Australia
Education: Current - WSET Diploma student
Post-Grad Dip Viti and Oenology University of Adelaide
BA University of Melbourne
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Be true to the terroir.
Francoise Peschon
Winemaker, Almacerro

Françoise Peschon was raised in California’s wine country and earned a degree in Fermentation Science from the University of California, Davis, in 1985. She furthered her education through post-graduate work at the University of Bordeaux and an apprenticeship at Château Haut-Brion before returning to the Napa Valley.
Following stints at Stag Leap Wine Cellars and at Rombauer, where she worked with Tony Soter and Mia Kline, Françoise joined Araujo Estate Wines in 1993 and was named its winemaker 1996, a position she held for some 14 years before becoming the consulting winemaker there. She is now the winemaker at Vine Hill Ranch and Heimark Vineyard with consulting roles at both Cornell Vineyards and Almacerro.
Country born: United States
Education: Undergraduate degree at the University of California, Davis and Post-Graduate work at the University of Bordeaux
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Honors / Awards:
Winemaker of the year in 2019 by SF Chronicle and Winemaker of the year in 2021 by Antonio Galloni/Vinous.
Winemaking Philosophy:
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
1320 West Fullerton
Chicago IL 60614
312-730-7333
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Lakeshore Sport & Fitness:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 2023 | Red Table Wine | Napa Valley | The Vista | 29 (2025) |
| STEREOGRAPH | 2023 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 29 (2025) | |
| VGS Chateau Potelle | 2023 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 40th Anniversary Cuvée | 29 (2025) |
| Baldacci Family Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Valley's Beauty | 28 (2024) |
| Gamble Family Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | New Beginnings 2.0 | 28 (2024) |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Bohemian Thrill | 27 (2023) |
| Hyde Vineyard Estate | 2022 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | 27 (2023) |
Winery Distribution
Almacerro is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- California (Kimberly Jones Selections)
- Colorado (Momentum Beverage)
- Florida (Monsieur Touton Selection)
- Georgia (Hemisphere)
- Hawaii (Ohana Beverage)
- Illinois (Momentum Beverage)
- Kansas (RNDC)
- Maryland (Monsieur Touton Selection)
- Massachusetts (Monsieur Touton Selection)
- Michigan (TWP)
- Minnesota (Small Lot Wines)
- Missouri (RNDC)
- Nevada (Imperial)
- New Hampshire (Monsieur Touton Selection)
- New Jersey (Monsieur Touton Selection)
- New York (Monsieur Touton Selection)
- North Carolina (Advantage)
- North Dakota (Small Lot Wines)
- Ohio (Heidelberg)
- Pennsylvania (Grapes to Glass)
- Rhode Island (Monsieur Touton Selection)
- South Dakota (Small Lot Wines)
- Texas (Victory)
- Virginia (Monsieur Touton Selection)