The soils on the Left Bank of Bordeaux are predominantly gravel based in the best terroirs, which include Médoc, Margaux, Pessac-Léognan, and Pauillac. Of course the soils are not only created from gravel, the various types and sizes of stones resting on beds ranging from limestone, to clay, to sandstone, and other mineral and organic materials play an important role. The gravel soils allow excellent drainage, encourage the roots to burrow deep, help by reflecting sunshine, and radiate heat (which helps the grapes to fully ripen).

Château Lynch-Bages, located in Pauillac takes its name from the terroir of "Bages" and the Lynch Family. In the sixteenth century "Bages" was already described as one of the emblematic vineyard of the Medoc. Thomas Lynch, son of an Irishman - John Lynch from Galway, came to Bordeaux to work as a merchant. The Lynch Family then owned the property from 1749 to 1824. The Lynch Family maintained the local tradition of working hard in the vineyards to produce higher quality wines. Thomas Lynch contributed to the renown of the vineyard and the quality of the wines. As part of the prestigious 1855 Classification, "Cru de Lynch" would soon be classified as one of the fifth growths. Later on the Cazes family purchased the estate in Pauillac and Château Lynch-Bages has been run by them ever since.