I´ve always declared the specific number of bottles of alcoholic product I have and have never had a problem (maximum 7 or 8 total). As far as checking liquids goes, I´ve done it for the first time today. Boxed Pisco with 2 thick socks around the bottle in the box, then a tshirt around the box, and then plastic bags around. I also bought duty free in SCL, which they bring to the plane, but then I´ll have to get it in my checked luggage in LAX prior to the connection. Bleh. SCL security also took away my water at the screening point even though it is an hour with no US flights (with a 7 hour connection).
Bleh. I would have bought more wine in Mendoza last week, but it just isn´t worth the hassle. I just bought enough to share w/friends in Santiago upon returning here.