Okay boys this is some really stupid Canadian law from Canada Post:

Background:

Curt, Gerald, Tristen and myself bought some bottles of port in
Portugal totaling six.  We had it shipped to Canada since we didn't
want to carry around these bottles while traveling.  The guy told us we
wouldn't have any problems doing so.  He even showed us receipts from
past orders to Canada.

We either got scammed, or just unlucky.

Current:

I received a letter from Canada Post yesterday which states:

Canada Post regulations state that intoxicating beverages/liquor are
"Non-Mailable Matter" and, when found in any mail item by a Customs
Officer, must be transmitted to Canada Post for disposal in accordance
with its regulations.

In certain circumstances, intoxicating beverages may be returned to the
sender if you are prepared to pay the return postage.  This option
only applies to certain countries and does not apply to the United
States.

If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact:

etc...

I called them this morning and this is what they told me:

You can bring alcohol in Canada if you have them with you at customs.
You just pay duty and whatever taxes they charge.  If you mail it,
Canada Post will not allow you to have it.

Does this make sense?

So our options are to send it back for ~$40 CDN or fax Canada Post a
letter saying we want the empty bottles.  

I spoke with to ladies on the phone, the first lady had a heavy french
accent and didn't understand what I was talking about. She finally
passed me to another lady that spoke better english.  She said that
since Canada Post has the bottles in their possession right now, there
is absolutely no way we will get those bottles.

I have to say Canada has done some disappointing things in the past but
this anal retentive law has got to be the worst I've ever encountered!

I wish I knew more about these import laws, I can't believe there is
nothing that can be done.

Chris