A system for accessing a subterranean zone from an entry well including an
entry well extending from the surface. The entry well has a substantially
vertical portion. A one or more drainage wells extend from the entry well
to a subterranean zone. A one or more articulated wells extend from the
entry well to the subterranean zone. At least one of the articulated
wells intersects at least one of the one or more drainage wells at a
junction proximate the subterranean zone. A drainage pattern is formed
coupled to the junction and operable to conduct fluids from the
subterranean zone to the junction.