Hi Robert,
You are correct, wine prices here are comparable or even a bit more expensive than prices in the U.S. And again you are correct in guessing that the reason is due to import taxes. The good news, however, is that those taxes on alcohol have dropped considerably recently and prices are a bit more reasonable. I recently bought a bottle of decent Rosé from Chile for $6. I’ve found a few whites and reds in the $6-$8 range that are perfectly acceptable for everyday use, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, expect to pay $10 and up.