Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD – Episode: Introducing: Blood Vines

In the premiere episode titled "Introducing: Blood Vines" of Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD, host Chenjerai Kumanyika delves into the intricate and shadowy world of California's wine industry. This episode serves as an introduction to a gripping true-crime narrative that intertwines corporate fraud, familial betrayal, and murder, all set against the backdrop of one of America's most iconic industries.

1. Introduction to Blood Vines

[00:00] Chris Walker opens the episode with an enticing preview of the new podcast series, "Blood Vines," exclusively available on Wondery. He sets the stage for a tale steeped in deception and violence:

"Blood Vines is a full-bodied podcast that uncorks the never-before-told story of the Licciardi family, one of the most powerful wine dynasties in California history, who almost brought down the entire industry over a bloody battle for succession."
– Chris Walker [00:00]

[00:32] Margarita adds depth to the narrative by highlighting the elements of betrayal and murder that underpin the story:

"And betrayal capped off with a big murder."
– Margarita [00:32]

2. Setting the Scene: San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse

The episode transports listeners to a pivotal moment on June 11, 2021, at the San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse in California's Central Valley. The oppressive heat contrasts sharply with the cold, clinical atmosphere inside the courthouse.

[00:36] Chris Walker introduces a clip from the first episode, immersing the audience in the unfolding drama.

[00:44] Margarita describes the oppressive environment and the meticulous handling of evidence:

"June 11, 2021. It's a stifling hot day in California's Central Valley. The air feels thick and heat shimmers above the ground, but the area I've just walked into is cold, clinical, bureaucratic."
– Margarita [00:44]

3. The Evidence Room: Unveiling the Crime

An investigative journalist navigates the evidence room, meticulously documenting the grim artifacts of a violent crime.

[01:05] The journalist introduces the setting:

"Okay, so I just got to the San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse to view the case exhibits. We're going to go through them in the order that they were presented at trial and we'll see what comes up here."
– Investigative Journalist [01:05]

[02:09] Detailed observations of the evidence paint a vivid picture of the crime scene:

"So I'm looking at the pillowcase now, which has dried bodily fluid on it and looks kind of brown and crusty... Might be blood, might be other bodily fluid."
– Investigative Journalist [02:09]

[02:27] The discovery of the murder weapon heightens the tension:

"It's the body of a Colt.45, but it's a.22, so it doesn't look like a.22, even though it is a small caliber gun... with wooden grips on the side."
– Investigative Journalist [02:37]

Margarita, the legal clerk, enforces strict protocols, preventing any tampering or unauthorized documentation of the evidence.

4. Unraveling the Mystery: From Fraud to Murder

[03:09] Margarita expresses her unease as unexpected evidence surfaces:

"And then, well, I'm not prepared for what comes next."
– Margarita [03:09]

[03:20] The narrative reveals a connection between the murder and a longstanding fraud investigation:

"My name is Chris Walker. I'm an investigative journalist... before his death, the victim was just one person under investigation for a multi-million dollar scam in the 1980s. It sent ripples through one of California's most iconic industries."
– Chris Walker [03:20]

A [04:32] Federal Investigator recounts the initial confusion surrounding the murder:

"I was sitting in my family room watching the evening news... a murder and he was murdered with a.22 caliber bullet to the head, which is a very mafia type way of doing it."
– Federal Investigator [04:32]

5. The White Zinfandel Scandal

The heart of the story lies in the fraudulent activities surrounding White Zinfandel, a deceptively sweet wine that became a cultural phenomenon.

[05:14] Wine Expert dismisses the quality of the wine involved in the scandal:

"This is what I call an eye roll drink."
– Wine Expert [05:14]

[05:16] Margarita critiques the wine's authenticity:

"It's not even really wine."
– Margarita [05:16]

[05:22] A Wine Critic reflects on White Zinfandel's role in the wine industry:

"Actually didn't like it as a wine. But I think white Zinfandel was kind of a gateway drug to better wines in some ways."
– Wine Critic [05:22]

Despite its low esteem among connoisseurs, White Zinfandel's widespread popularity masked the underlying fraud that threatened to dismantle the industry.

6. The Domino Effect: From Scandal to Dynasty's Fall

[05:31] Margarita outlines the federal investigation's focus and its underestimation of the wine industry's vulnerabilities:

"White Zinfandel, the Fed's case centered around a pink drink with notes of jolly Ranchers... While they could see fraud developing all around White Zinn, they didn't think the stakes were all that high."
– Margarita [05:31]

The unexpected success of White Zinfandel led to rampant fraud and ultimately, violent consequences that reverberated through the industry.

[07:35] The Federal Investigator reveals suspicions about the mafia's involvement:

"We all felt that the family, being the mafia, were covering up something big."
– Federal Investigator [07:35]

This revelation points to a deeper conspiracy that intertwined organized crime with the wine industry's operations.

7. Personal Ambitions and Unanswered Questions

[07:22] Margarita hints at personal motivations and the quest for truth:

"About a family and its secrets."
– Margarita [07:22]

[07:38] Wine Expert and others express disillusionment and the personal toll of the scandal:

"They both totally disappointed him. They broke his heart. They broke his spirit."
– Wine Expert [07:38]

These personal narratives add emotional depth to the overarching tale of corporate malfeasance and familial discord.

8. Conclusion: The Unveiling of a Dark History

As the episode draws to a close, Margarita encapsulates the essence of the story:

"It's a parable of greed that hardly anyone knows about, and the wine industry would prefer to keep it that way."
– Margarita [07:58]

[08:11] Chris Walker encourages listeners to follow "Blood Vines" for an in-depth exploration of this hidden history:

"Thirsty for more. Follow Blood Vines wherever you listen to your podcasts and binge all episodes right now exclusively on Wondery."
– Chris Walker [08:11]

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Intersection of Fraud and Violence: The episode highlights how financial deceit within the wine industry escalated into lethal violence, showcasing the precarious balance between corporate ambitions and ethical boundaries.

• Underestimation of Risks: Federal investigators initially underestimated the severity and potential for violence within the White Zinfandel scandal, revealing gaps in oversight and understanding of the industry's dynamics.

• Organized Crime Influence: The suspected involvement of mafia elements underscores the vulnerabilities within large industries to external criminal influences, raising questions about regulation and accountability.

• Personal Narratives: Through personal accounts and emotional testimonies, the podcast brings to light the human cost of corporate scandals, emphasizing betrayal, lost trust, and shattered lives.

• Hidden Histories: "Blood Vines" serves as a reminder of the untold stories lurking behind seemingly benign industries, urging listeners to look beyond the surface and seek deeper truths.

Conclusion

"Introducing: Blood Vines" sets the stage for a compelling exploration of California's wine industry's dark underbelly. Through meticulous storytelling, rich character portrayals, and engaging dialogues, the episode promises a riveting journey into themes of power, greed, and redemption. For those intrigued by the convergence of true crime and corporate intrigue, "Blood Vines" offers a sophisticated narrative that unearths the untold origins and consequences of one of America's beloved beverages.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and follow the "Blood Vines" podcast on Wondery to uncover the full story behind the Licciardi family's rise and fall, and the profound impact their actions had on an entire industry.