shiraz is by no means a “sweet” wine. Most wine noobs do not like dry wines, which are normally the merlots, cabernet, shiraz’s n Chianti. If you want a sweet red, go for some Lumbrusco. It is really sweet, plus it is served chilled.
The best thing for wine noobs is some White Zinfindel, in particular Sutter Home because it tastes like sugar water. Another cheap White Zin is Beringer PVS, but it is a little drier.