Blood Vines: Episode 6 - "Tainted Wine"
Host: Chris Walker
Producer: Foxtopus Ink
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Overview
In Episode 6 of Blood Vines, investigative journalist Chris Walker delves deeper into the labyrinthine saga of the Licciardi family, unraveling the complex interplay of greed, betrayal, and murder that fueled one of the largest wine scams in U.S. history. This episode, titled "Tainted Wine," focuses on the pivotal events surrounding the grape fraud case, the ensuing familial discord, and the relentless pursuit of justice following the mysterious murder of patriarch Jack Licciardi.
The Grape Fraud Case and Delicato Vineyards
As the calendar turned to 1992, Michael Licciardi found a glimmer of hope amid his legal battles. Despite a jury's conviction six months prior, new evidence emerged that implicated Delicato Vineyards in the grape fraud scheme.
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Federal Indictment Against Delicato Vineyards:
- Chris Walker: "A new indictment revealed some mischief Michael hadn't been aware of. It stretched back to 1988, when investigators first alerted the winery that it had received 15 loads of mislabeled Zinfandel." [00:55]
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Delicato's Misconduct:
- Steve Lapham, Federal Prosecutor: "When we inform them that they had gotten tainted wine, then the process commences whether that wine is going to be decertified as whatever variety it is." [01:53]
Despite regulatory warnings, Delicato deceitfully released mislabeled Zinfandel under the original labels, leading to significant legal repercussions.
- Michael Licciardi on Delicato's Actions:
- Michael Licciardi: "In fact, they had the bad taste to try and cover up their tainted wine." [03:05]
Ultimately, Delicato Vineyards negotiated a plea deal, paying a record $1 million fine and seeing its president, Anthony Indelicato, resign and divest his ownership stake.
- Chris Walker: "Michael held little sympathy for his father's old pal. This was a chance to prove what he'd been saying all along." [04:55]
Family Tensions and the Murder of Jack Licciardi
The Licciardi family's unity began to fracture under the weight of legal battles and personal vendettas. Michael harbored suspicions that his brother Robert was responsible for their father's murder, believing it was a strategic move to derail his trial.
- Norma Licciardi on Robert's Threats:
- Norma Licciardi: "Robert had called me and told he was talking to me about things that can happen. ... I told him, you know, Robert, you touch my kids, I will kill You." [05:18]
To protect their children, Norma implemented a security system involving code words, concealing the family's true concerns from their daughters.
- Norma on Protecting the Children:
- Norma Licciardi: "We had a code word for my daughters... If they gave them the code word, then it was okay that they were to go with them." [05:46]
Michael's relentless pursuit to implicate Robert included secretly recorded phone calls, where tensions flared:
- Michael Accusing Robert:
- Michael Licciardi: "He never did a goddamn thing in your life... You want to be civil as me apologize for shooting my father, punk." [00:25]
- Michael Licciardi: "You are or what you've done." [09:04]
- Michael Licciardi: "Now you're a big fat liar." [09:15]
Despite over 100 recorded conversations, Robert consistently denied involvement, deflecting the accusations and focusing on financial settlements.
Legal Struggles and Escalating Tensions
As Michael fought to overturn his conviction, the family's legal disputes intensified. Robert's lavish lifestyle raised further suspicions among his siblings, who noticed his excessive spending and lack of income.
- Robert's Extravagance:
- Chris Walker: "He spent money right and left on luxury items like sports cars... He made regular trips to Vegas to gamble at Caesar's Palace." [16:04]
The situation grew increasingly fraught until a significant breakthrough occurred in late 1993:
- Robert's Arrest Attempt:
- Norma Licciardi: "That was the only night that all of us had a good sleep because they had him in jail." [11:29]
However, Robert was quickly released due to procedural shortcomings, leaving Michael and Norma frustrated and the investigation stalling.
Reigniting the Investigation
Jacqueline Licciardi emerged as a determined figure seeking justice for her father. Her persistent efforts led to renewed interest from the District Attorney's office, culminating in a more thorough financial investigation spearheaded by retired investigator Wayne Peterson.
- Wayne Peterson on the Investigation:
- Wayne Peterson: "We had a box after box of records..." [23:43]
- Wayne Peterson: "And we're looking at maybe 800,000 left in the account." [24:05]
Peterson's meticulous review uncovered anomalies in financial transactions and forged documents that tightly implicated Robert in the embezzlement and possibly, the murder.
- Discovery of Forged Documents:
- Chris Walker: "The signature had been faked. ... It was also printed on copy paper found in Robert's home." [26:13]
The Grand Jury Subpoena and Robert's Flight
With mounting evidence, the District Attorney's office moved to charge Robert Licciardi with first-degree homicide. During the serving of a grand jury subpoena, Robert exhibited evasive behavior.
- Subpoena Interaction:
- Michael Licciardi: "We thought you were stopping. Okay, here's your copy." [27:14]
- Robert's Defiance: "Then go ahead and arrest me." [28:17]
Refusing to comply, Robert fled the courthouse, igniting a manhunt that would lead to one of the most sensational trials of the 1990s.
- Michael on Robert's Flight:
- Michael Licciardi: "He seemed quite surprised. And I gave him the subpoena." [27:08]
Familial Fallout and Legal Battles
Amidst the turmoil, the entire Licciardi family became entangled in lawsuits and legal disputes, exacerbating existing tensions. Jacqueline took proactive steps to support the investigation, while other siblings like Joanna contested Michael's credibility.
- Jacqueline's Pursuit of Justice:
- Joanna Licciardi: "I searched for and found a box of documents... Michael had stolen $200,000 from him." [16:00]
The relentless legal battles left both Robert and Michael facing uncertain futures, with their actions continuing to ripple through the wine industry and their personal lives.
Conclusion and Tease for the Final Episode
As the episode concludes, the stage is set for the culmination of the Licciardi saga. The audience is left anticipating the dramatic manhunt for Robert Licciardi and the resolution of the myriad legal and familial conflicts that have defined this dark chapter in California’s wine history.
- Chris Walker's Closing Remarks:
- Chris Walker: "In our next and final episode, a manhunt ensues. But is not the only case that draws to a close." [29:36]
Key Takeaways
- Complex Family Dynamics: The Licciardi family's internal conflicts and legal disputes played a significant role in the unfolding of the wine fraud scandal and the murder investigation.
- Legal Maneuvering: Michael's attempts to overturn his conviction were complicated by new evidence and procedural challenges, highlighting the intricacies of legal battles within family-run businesses.
- Investigation Breakthroughs: Wayne Peterson’s financial investigation uncovered critical evidence linking Robert to fraudulent activities and the potential motive for murder.
- Impending Manhunt: Robert Licciardi’s flight from the courthouse sets the stage for a dramatic final confrontation in the series.
Notable Quotes
- Norma Licciardi: "Robert had called me and told he was talking to me about... making sure that I'm aware of things can happen unexpectedly." [05:18]
- Michael Licciardi: "You are or what you've done." [09:04]
- Michael Licciardi: "I've never done anything in my life. Yeah, now you're a big fat liar." [09:15]
- Wayne Peterson: "We had a box after box of records..." [23:43]
- Joanna Licciardi: "I searched for and found a box of documents..." [16:00]
Blood Vines continues to peel back the layers of deception and betrayal that have tainted the Californian wine industry, offering listeners a gripping narrative of ambition, familial loyalty, and the quest for truth.