Clarifications aside.... the good news is that my experience with US based clients shows me that as long as you declare all the wine you bring in, even if you do carry enough to trigger the duty, it is very very difficult that you will find a customs officer that will care to write you up and collect whatever is due.

I know of a wine merchant that has a US tax & duty money back guarantee, and in the 5+ years since he has been offering it... he has been called upon to honor it only once.